he Bible does not talk about IVF, so there is no easy answer on the subject. In vitro fertilization is a matter of conscience. If a Christian couple is thinking about IVF, they should inquire and pray, seeking God’s will ( James 1: 5 ; Matthew 6:10 ).
What is IVF?
In vitro fertilization is a medical procedure for generating children, gathering eggs and sperm inside a laboratory. Then, the conceived embryo is placed inside the mother’s uterus, to develop normally during pregnancy.
In vitro fertilization is used in couples who are unable to have children naturally. It is an expensive procedure, with ethical complications and does not always work. So, before thinking about in vitro fertilization, it is good to try other treatments for infertility.
Having a child is always a great blessing ( Psalm 127: 3-5 ). Every child is loved by God, no matter how he was conceived. Whether in vitro fertilization is certain or whether it is a sin, each child that is born is a person created in the image and likeness of God, worthy of love and respect.
See here: what does God say about children?
Ethical problems of IVF
The Bible has no clear answer on IVF. Before making a decision, it is important to reflect on some issues:
- Where does life begin? The moment the embryo is conceived, it has all the capacity to develop into a unique and special person ( Psalm 139: 15-16). Therefore, we can consider that life begins at conception. Thus, each embryo conceived in the laboratory is a person, a precious life.
- Does an artificial process offend God? Life is a gift from God but it happens with our active participation, so it is not wrong to try to get pregnant. Some people do not think the participation of third parties in the process (doctors) is right, but others see doctors just like everyone else who helps the couple (mothers, midwives …). The way in which semen is collected (masturbation) is another controversial issue of in vitro fertilization. See also: What does the Bible say about masturbation?
- Do we have the right to choose? If in vitro fertilization several embryos are conceived, is it a sin to choose the healthiest ones or the sex we want, discarding the “weakest” embryos? Are we “playing” with God, choosing who lives and who dies? It is very important to remember that these are people, not products or lifeless cells.
- What to do with “too many” embryos? Many embryos die naturally but others survive. Is discarding an embryo or donating embryos for scientific experiments killing a person? On the other hand, keeping frozen embryos for later use can be very expensive and cause more ethical problems in the future as to what to do. If the couple opts for in vitro fertilization, they can try to avoid having “too many” embryos, for example, using fewer eggs each time. Read here: what does God say about abortion?
- What are the health risks? If infertility is a woman’s, you may have a physical problem that makes the pregnancy dangerous. Before deciding on IVF, the couple must analyze the causes of infertility and the chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
Attention! If your conscience condemns, then IVF is a sin for you ( Romans 14: 22-23 ). The Christian couple must follow their conscience on this issue. Pray, read the Bible and consider all options before making a decision ( 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ).
