Stances & Statements
FAMILY / RELATIONSHIPS / LIFESTYLE / PERSONAL LIFE
Part 2
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IVF (In vitro fertilization)
The USF supports the general decision for those interested in using IVF for reproduction. We believe it is a personal choice for a parent to make. Over 5 million people have been born due to this technology. It’s beneficial to those who are having difficulty with pregnancy and same-sex partners who would not be able to reproduce otherwise.
Adoption
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Adopting a child is one of the most compassionate and caring commitments a responsible adult can make. Adoption is not without its challenges and is not for everyone who wants to start a family. There are millions of children worldwide without parents who need a safe, healthy home and family. Given this situation, we would recommend any person, couple, or family unit who wants children to first explore the idea of adopting.
Contraceptive
We believe birth control is a basic human right and should be made accessible to anyone who needs it. Those who use contraceptives should educate themselves about the proper way to use them and the risks involved, as well as have a general understanding of safe sex, the reproductive system, and planning for parenthood. The USF supports an individual's right to make decisions that directly involve their body. We also support the use of contraceptives as we believe that only people who are genuinely interested in being loving parents should have children. Contraceptives also assist in the interest of helping to control our global population.
Age of Consent
Age of consent ranges by state and nation. We advise respecting the laws on this issue. Humans have historically had sexual relations at what is considered a generally young age, specifically during puberty, for survival reasons. We live in a different time, and people are living much longer than previously. One can argue that some people are mature and responsible for sexual activity who are younger than the legal age, but some people regardless of their age will never be mentally or emotionally prepared for sexual relations. So, while it might not be unethical to have sexual relations with someone who is younger than the age of consent, the legal consequences are likely not worth it to the individual. Certainly, it goes without saying that sexual relations with someone prior to puberty is absolutely wrong in that they are not mentally or emotionally prepared for that, especially when it's an older individual exploiting a younger person.