The Importance of Spiritual Assistance for Infertile Families in the Lithuanian Context

Abstract

This article presents the importance of spiritual support for those facing infertility in Lithuania. It describes the medical methods used in Lithuania to address infertility, such as NaProTechnology and assisted reproductive technology, pointing out the ethical and moral challenges associated with these medical interventions. The concept of spiritual assistance and the possible role of a spiritual assistant in helping those facing infertility challenges are explored. An empirical qualitative study conducted in 2023 is presented to understand how people experiencing infertility perceive the Church's teachings and what their need for spiritual accompaniment is, and whether it has been met. In summary, the article highlights the need to increase awareness and understanding of the Church's teaching on infertility, the provision of comprehensive and accessible information and the need for spiritual accompaniment. It highlights the need to raise awareness of the Church's teaching on infertility, to provide accessible information, and to develop a strategy to meet the spiritual needs of infertile couples in Lithuania in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church by promoting moral healing methods and increasing the availability of spiritual assistance. It is noted that spiritual assistance is important for those experiencing infertility or undergoing treatment, but this need is not well met in Lithuania.