SWA #13

1. In Vitro Fertilization
     a) A controversial issue involving the fertilization of eggs with sperm outside the body-acts as a variation for infertile couples to have a baby without adoption.
     b) The controversial issue surrounding this topic is that, according to the Catholic Church, IVF disrupts the idea that a marriage exists for procreation. With IVF, one does not need to be married to have a child, nor does the relationship have to be heterosexual.
     c) I believe that this is act is not a sin, because I do not believe that it is a sin to want to have children. Yes, a couple could have children with IVF and not without sex, but from my perspective, the Church seems to treat marriage as a reason for procreation. If a couple is married and wants to have a baby, they should be able to.
     d) I would like to learn more about why this issue is so taboo. I do not understand the Catholic Church's perspective, and I would like to understand why a very powerful organization like the Church is so adamantly against it.

2. SOPA
     a) SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) is a bill that Congress is pushing through to try and give the American government the power to shut down websites that they deem are illegal or do illegal activities.
     b) This topic is controversial because if the government was given this power, they could potentially shut down a website that illegally lets people share information (e.g. Youtube), which would be a major impediment to the 1st Amendment (Freedom of Expression).
     c) I do not believe that the government should have the power to regulate the internet. While the government should have the power to regulate the websites that they have created, they should not be able to regulate "free space." It would be a great blow to the rights of the people if the government could take down whatever website they choose, because of a simple disagreement in opinion.
     d) I would like to learn more about the perspectives of the government in this issue, and why they would seek to take great control of the internet.

3) Gay Marriage
     a) The issue is that many state governments are against gay marriage.
     b) Gay marriage is controversial because it goes against the beliefs of a major religion (Christianity), of which many Americans believe in.
     c) I believe that people should have the right to marry another person.
     d) I would like to find out why many Americans are against it, and if there is any logical reason why homosexuals should not be allowed to be married.