My wife and I have been trying to get pregnant for years. Our doctor suggested that we consider IVF (in vitro fertilization), but friends have expressed some concerns about the procedure.
ANSWER:
We’re so sorry to learn of your struggles with infertility. We hear from many couples faced with the frustrations and doubts of such a heavy burden. Add in competing viewpoints about treatment options, and circumstances can feel overwhelming.
As you’ve found, opinions about IVF vary in the Christian community. Some believe it’s ethically acceptable, while others consider it to be outside of God’s plan for procreation.
But the Bible doesn’t give clear guidelines on the issue. And as a nondenominational ministry, Focus on the Family is careful when wading into such differences of opinion. That said, we can offer the following thoughts that are guided by biblical principles.
What is in vitro fertilization?
IVF is one form of assisted reproductive technology. It involves combining sperm and one or more eggs outside a woman’s body in a laboratory. After several days, the embryo(s) are implanted in the woman’s uterus.
Sperm could be from the husband or from a donor. Likewise, eggs could come from the wife or a donor. And the embryo created might be implanted in the wife’s womb or the womb of a gestational surrogate.
Moral and ethical objections to IVF
In vitro fertilization has implications for the sanctity of human life and the institution of marriage between one man and one woman. It also presents identity concerns for the children conceived, and it highlights a child’s need for (and natural right to) both a mother and a father.
Sanctity of life
Human life has immeasurable value in all its forms, including the earliest stages beginning with fertilization. Embryos should never be treated carelessly or destroyed. Unfortunately, some IVF practices create numerous embryos that are likely to die or be frozen for an indefinite period.
Meaning of marriage
What are the consequences to the God-designed marital union if sperm from a third party is used, or if the baby is carried by a surrogate? Modern science can overstep its boundaries if it creates artificial divisions between sex, conception, and childbirth.
Confidence of identity
Donor sperm or eggs can introduce practical problems of identity. A child might wonder, Who am I? and Who is my family? Research shows that individuals conceived with donor sperm often experience confusion later in life.
The need for a mother and a father
Today, IVF is often used by couples who are naturally sterile. These include same-sex couples who rely on donor eggs or sperm (along with the use of a gestational surrogate for male couples). A problem that is often ignored in these situations is that any child produced for same-sex couples will lack a parent of the opposite sex.
The best evidence, and thousands of years of human experience, prove that mothers and fathers are not interchangeable. Children need a mother and a father.
Reducing objections to IVF
Several of the ethical concerns associated with IVF are related to the fact that the industry is largely unregulated. However, couples and doctors can take proactive steps to address many of the moral and ethical concerns associated with IVF.
Fertility specialists can protect young human lives
Fertility specialists can protect young human lives by creating only the number of embryos that can be safely implanted in the mother’s uterus at the time they’re produced. None are frozen for future IVF cycles.
Likewise, embryos should not be subjected to embryo “grading” — a subjective inspection to assess an embryo’s potential to successfully implant and grow to live birth (with “unfit” embryos destroyed). Preimplantation genetic testing also should not be conducted. This type of testing is intended to select for desired traits and against unwanted ones. For example, if a couple only wants a girl, male embryos would be discarded. Or couples who want a child without certain birth defects may opt to destroy embryos that might have trisomy 21 (Down syndrome).
The meaning of marriage and child identity can be preserved
The meaning of marriage and child identity can be preserved when IVF is used only by a married man and woman with no third-party involvement (no donor sperm, donor eggs, or surrogacy).
A word on adoption
While many couples long to hold a child they have given birth to, there are other paths to parenthood. Adoption is a possibility couples might consider. That said, it’s not simply just another family-growing option. Couples must approach the idea thoughtfully and prayerfully. And they should feel called to adopt. For more information, read our article The Adoption Journey: An Honest Look at What You Really Need to Know.
When considering IVF
Couples facing infertility should first try to discover and treat its underlying causes. By taking this approach — sometimes referred to as restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) — couples may be able to avoid IVF altogether. RRM involves medical and/or surgical procedures short of IVF that might resolve some causes of impaired fertility.
There are some infertility issues, however, that cannot be solved by RRM. Couples contemplating in vitro fertilization should approach the decision prayerfully and with guidance from a pastor or other mature Christian.
They should also consult a fertility specialist — one who’s a Christian, if possible. The views and approach of a Christian physician are far more likely to line up with pro-life values than those of a doctor who doesn’t hold a biblical perspective.
Regardless, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A couple undergoing IVF needs to have full information about the process before treatment begins.
Use the thoughts below as a starting point. They get to the heart of pro-life concerns: to make sure that the conception of each embryo honors and preserves life.
- Will the specialist create only the number of embryos that will be implanted at one time — so that none are frozen and held in reserve?
- What are the risks to the embryos that will be created?
- What are the risks to the mother?
- What’s the chance of success?
Finding support
Dealing with infertility and the questions raised by IVF can be challenging. But you’re not alone. Would you let us come alongside you? We’d love to hear your story and talk with you in more detail.
Call our licensed or pastoral counselors for a free over-the-phone consultation at 1855-771-HELP (4357). They can offer referrals to support groups, counselors, and qualified Christian therapists who can help you work through these issues.
If a title is currently unavailable through Focus on the Family, we encourage you to use another retailer.
Outside the Womb
When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden
The Infertility Companion: Hope and Help for Couples Facing Infertility by Sandra L. Glahn and William R. Cutrer (Zondervan)
Infertility (resource list)
