In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common medical procedure for couples facing infertility and to gay couples, offering both a pathway to those longing to build a family. As Christians, however, we are called to evaluate all practices through the lens of Scripture and God’s design for life and family. A traditional Christian stance on IVF views it not only as an ethical concern but also as a justice issue, particularly because it often deprives children of their fundamental right to their biological parents, causing significant hardships. This essay explores this perspective, emphasizing the dignity of human life and the rights of children rooted in biblical principles.

The Sanctity of Life from Conception

Central to the Christian worldview is the belief that human life is sacred from conception, as every person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). This principle shapes the Christian perspective on IVF. If life begins at conception, as most pro-life Christians affirm, these embryos are human beings with inherent dignity and a right to life. The destruction of embryos (because the process frequently involves creating multiple embryos, many of which are discarded, frozen indefinitely, or used for research) conflicts with this belief, raising serious ethical concerns.

The fertility industry creates far more embryos than are implanted, with only about 2% of IVF-created children being born, while 92-97% do not survive. This loss of embryonic life is a justice issue, as it denies countless human beings their right to exist. The Alabama Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling, allowing parents to sue for the wrongful death of frozen embryos, affirms that embryos are human lives. This resonates with Psalm 139:13-16, which speaks of God’s intimate role in forming life, underscoring the need to protect the pre-born as a matter of justice.

IVF as a Justice Issue for Children

Beyond the sanctity of life, IVF raises justice concerns because it often deprives children of their natural right to be known and loved by their biological mother and father. Scripture presents the family—rooted in the marriage of a man and a woman—as God’s design for raising children (Genesis 1-2). IVF, however, can disrupt this design through third-party reproduction, such as using donor sperm or eggs, resulting in children who may grow up without one or both biological parents. This separation creates emotional, psychological, and relational hardships, as children are denied the connection to their genetic heritage.

From a justice perspective, every child deserves access to their biological parents, who provide unique and complementary roles in their development (Ephesians 6:1-4). IVF enables scenarios where children are intentionally raised by single parents or same-sex couples, cutting them off from their mother or father. This violates their natural right to the love and identity tied to their biological origins. The fertility industry’s practices, such as selecting embryos based on traits like gender or fitness, further commodify children, treating them as products to meet adult desires rather than persons with inherent rights. This prioritization of adult wants over children’s needs is an injustice that Christians must address.

Ethical IVF: A Rare Possibility

While IVF often conflicts with Christian principles, it is theoretically possible to conduct IVF ethically in rare cases, provided strict conditions are met. If IVF uses only the genetic material of a married couple—the biological mother and father—and the embryo is implanted in the biological mother’s womb, it can align with God’s design for family. Crucially, no embryos can be destroyed, frozen, or donated; only the exact number of embryos intended for immediate implantation should be created. This ensures the child’s right to life and their biological parents is preserved, reflecting the biblical value of family unity.

However, this ethical approach is rare and costly, as it requires precise medical intervention and forgoes the industry’s standard practice of creating excess embryos for convenience or cost-efficiency. Christians considering this path must weigh the financial and medical challenges against their pro-life convictions, seeking God’s guidance to ensure the process honors the sanctity of life and family. While possible, such cases are exceptions, as the fertility industry’s business model typically prioritizes efficiency over ethical considerations

The Ethical Challenges of the Fertility Industry

The fertility industry, often called “Big Fertility,” exacerbates this injustice by operating as a marketplace where eggs, sperm, and wombs are bought and sold, often without the oversight found in adoption. Unlike adoption, which is heavily regulated to protect children, IVF lacks similar safeguards, enabling practices that exploit vulnerable lives. Clinics may create excess embryos, discard those deemed “less fit,” or freeze them indefinitely, treating human beings as commodities. This contrasts sharply with the biblical call to protect the vulnerable (James 1:27).

The industry’s focus on profit and adult desires often overshadows the hardships faced by children born through IVF, particularly those separated from their biological parents. These children may experience identity struggles or a sense of loss, as they are denied the relational bonds God designed for their flourishing. Christians view this as an injustice, as it places the desires of adults above the rights and well-being of children, undermining God’s created order.

A Call to Compassion and Discernment

The longing for children is a God-given desire, and the pain of infertility is real. For Christians who have pursued IVF, often unaware of its ethical and justice implications, the response should be compassion, not condemnation. This issue calls for humility, prayer, and a willingness to align personal desires with God’s design. The Christian community can support those facing infertility by offering biblical counsel and alternatives like NaProTechnology, which addresses fertility issues naturally without creating excess embryos. Churches should teach about the theology of children and family, equipping believers to navigate these issues with wisdom and grace.

The Church’s Role in Advocating for Justice

The Church is called to be a defender of children, advocating for their right to life and their right to their parents as a matter of justice. Grounded in a worldview that values the image of God, Christians are uniquely positioned to challenge the harms of the fertility industry. This involves opposing practices that victimize children and promoting policies that prioritize their well-being, such as supporting natural conception and strengthening families. Pastors and church leaders should preach on these topics, fostering a theology of children that affirms their dignity and rights.

For more on this topic:

• Read the book, The Before Us.

• Watch this video: