A kindergarten teacher at a Catholic school in Vineland, New Jersey, has been placed on paid administrative leave after she informed school officials that she is pregnant as a surrogate for a family. The teacher, Jadira Bonilla, now faces uncertainty about her career, which she says is in jeopardy due to a potential conflict with Catholic Church doctrine.
Key Takeaways
- Jadira Bonilla, a teacher at St. Mary School, was put on paid leave on September 12 after revealing her surrogate pregnancy.
- School officials have suggested her actions may violate her employment contract and the tenets of the Catholic faith.
- The Catholic Church officially opposes surrogacy, viewing it as inconsistent with its teachings on procreation and human dignity.
- Bonilla has not received written documentation detailing the specific contract violation.
Teacher Placed on Leave After Pregnancy Disclosure
Jadira Bonilla, 35, a kindergarten teacher at St. Mary School, said her employment status changed shortly after a conversation with a school official about her pregnancy. Currently 25 weeks pregnant, Bonilla is serving as a surrogate for the second time for the same family.
She recounted the interaction that preceded her leave. "I said, ‘Oh, I’m gonna be a surrogate.’ And he looks at me and says, ‘You’re renting your uterus?’” Bonilla stated. This exchange took place before she was formally notified of the school's decision.
A few days after this conversation, on September 12, Bonilla was called into a meeting with representatives from the school and the church. During this meeting, she was informed that she was being placed on paid leave. Officials told her that her role as a surrogate might be in violation of her contract and the principles of the Catholic Church.
Despite the school's verbal statements, Bonilla reports that she has not been provided with any written explanation clarifying which part of her employment contract she has allegedly breached.
A Teacher's Perspective Amid Uncertainty
For Bonilla, the past month has been filled with stress and uncertainty. Her primary concern is the future of her job and what steps to take next. "It’s been overwhelming. It’s been stressful, just not knowing where do I go from here, what’s gonna happen with my job,” she said.
This is not Bonilla's first experience with surrogacy. She successfully completed a surrogacy for the same family previously while employed at a different Catholic school, apparently without incident. Her decision to help the family again has now placed her in a difficult professional situation.
Despite the potential career repercussions, Bonilla affirms her choice. She expressed no regrets about her decision to act as a surrogate, emphasizing the personal importance of her commitment to the family she is helping.
The Catholic Church's Stance on Surrogacy
The Catholic Church's position on assisted reproductive technologies, including surrogacy, is rooted in its theological principles regarding marriage, procreation, and human dignity. The 1987 instruction Donum Vitae ("The Gift of Life") from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith outlines the Church's official teachings. It states that procreation should occur only within the marital act between a husband and wife. Surrogacy is considered morally illicit because it separates procreation from the marital union and commercializes the human body and the life of a child.
School Cites Need for Understanding of Faith
In response to the situation, St. Mary School issued a statement addressing Bonilla's employment status. The school framed the issue as a matter of religious teaching and expressed a desire for dialogue with the teacher.
"It has been our hope to meet with her to help her fully understand the Catholic Church’s teaching on surrogacy, but that has not happened as of yet. Mrs. Bonilla is a valued teacher and one we hope will one day again teach in our school with the full knowledge of our faith, which guides our educational principles.”
The statement highlights the school's intent to educate Bonilla on the church's doctrine, suggesting that her return to the classroom is conditional on her understanding and acceptance of these principles. The school described her as a "valued teacher," indicating a potential path for her return but linking it directly to alignment with church teachings.
Employment in Religious Institutions
Private religious schools often include morality clauses or faith-based expectations in their employment contracts. These clauses may require employees to live and act in a manner consistent with the institution's religious doctrines, both in and out of the workplace. The legality of enforcing these clauses can be complex and sometimes leads to legal challenges centered on employment discrimination and religious freedom.
Next Steps and Broader Implications
A meeting was scheduled between Bonilla and officials from the school and church to further discuss the matter. The outcome of this meeting could determine the future of her employment at St. Mary School and potentially set a precedent for similar situations in other religious educational institutions.
This case brings attention to the complex intersection of an individual's personal life choices and the doctrinal requirements of a religious employer. While surrogacy is a legal practice in New Jersey, its conflict with Catholic doctrine creates a challenging situation for employees of church-affiliated organizations.
The resolution will likely depend on the specific terms of Bonilla's contract, diocesan policies, and the willingness of both parties to find a mutually agreeable solution. The situation underscores the potential for conflict when secular laws and personal decisions do not align with the specific tenets of a faith-based employer.