Catholic School Teacher Says She Was Suspended from Her Job Over Surrogate Pregnancy

**Catholic School Teacher Claims Suspension Due to Surrogate Pregnancy**

A Catholic school teacher in New Jersey has come forward with allegations that she was suspended from her job for being a surrogate, sparking debates around personal choices and institutional policies.

Jadira Bonilla, a 35-year-old kindergarten teacher at St. Mary Catholic School in Vineland, shared her story with local media outlets. Bonilla’s journey into surrogacy began with a deeply personal motivation – at 18, she was inspired by her cousin’s medical struggles with fertility. After reading about infertility in a BuzzFeed article in 2018, she decided to offer her services as a surrogate, eventually helping a family welcome two children into the world through surrogacy.

However, on September 12, Bonilla faced unexpected consequences for her decision. She claims that the school’s principal, Steven Hogan, questioned her involvement in surrogacy during a meeting, reportedly asking, “You’re renting your uterus?”

Bonilla expressed surprise at the school’s reaction, mentioning that she had previously been a surrogate while working at a different Catholic school without encountering any issues. Despite her confusion, she found herself suspended from her current position on the grounds of a “possible contract violation.”

The issue appears to stem from a broader interpretation of the Catholic Church’s teachings on surrogacy. While Bonilla highlighted the absence of explicit prohibitions in her contract or employee handbook, the Diocese of Camden’s employee guidelines warn of potential disciplinary action for behaviour conflicting with the Church’s doctrines.

Pope Francis has previously condemned surrogacy as exploitative and dehumanising, advocating for a global ban on the practice. The late pontiff believed that commercialising pregnancy through surrogacy undermines the dignity of women and children. These views align with the Church’s stance on ethical reproduction.

Despite the suspension, school officials emphasised Bonilla’s value as a teacher and expressed hope for her return once she comprehends the Church’s position on surrogacy. Hogan clarified that the decision to place Bonilla on paid administrative leave was rooted in concerns over adherence to contractual obligations and educational principles guided by faith.

Bonilla’s attempts to seek clarification on the specific contractual violations alleged by the school have so far been unmet. The dialogue between her and the school administration underscores a broader discussion on the intersection of personal choices, professional responsibilities, and religious beliefs in educational settings.

The story of Jadira Bonilla sheds light on the complexities surrounding surrogacy, religious convictions, and workplace policies. As the debate continues, it prompts a reflection on how institutions navigate the evolving landscape of reproductive rights and individual freedoms within the framework of faith-based values.