In vitro fertilization (IVF) has become an increasingly common procedure for couples struggling with infertility. While it offers hope for those longing to have children, it also raises significant ethical concerns, particularly for those who hold a high view of the sanctity of human life. Five key words can help guide our understanding and decision-making regarding IVF: excess, screen, support, lessons, and dominion.

Excess

One of the primary ethical dilemmas with IVF is the creation of excess embryos [1]. The IVF process typically involves stimulating the woman’s ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are then retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. Multiple embryos are usually produced to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. However, this often results in a surplus of embryos that are not implanted. This raises the question of what to do with these leftover embryos.

Doctors often suggest discarding them or donating them for medical research, both of which involve the destruction of human embryos. From a pro-life perspective, this presents a significant moral dilemma. If human life begins at conception, embryos are considered living human beings with inherent dignity and value [3]. Intentionally destroying these embryos, whether through discarding them or donating them to research, is viewed as morally equivalent to abortion or physician-assisted suicide.

The number of embryos created through IVF far exceeds what a couple could reasonably implant and bring to birth. This leads to the disposal of a significant number of embryos—the majority, in fact—and raises concerns about the commodification and devaluation of human life.

Screen

Another ethical concern with IVF is the practice of screening embryos for genetic defects. This involves testing embryos to identify potential health issues and selecting only those deemed “fit” for implantation. Those with perceived defects are often discarded or donated to research.

This practice is problematic because it reinforces the notion that human value is determined by our genetic makeup or potential for a healthy life. This view contradicts the belief that all human beings are created in the image of God and possess intrinsic value regardless of their physical condition or potential for future suffering. Screening embryos for defects and selecting only those deemed fit for survival leads to the perception of human beings as commodities that can be created and discarded based on their perceived usefulness, rather than beings worthy of dignity and respect simply by virtue of being human.

Support

Christians should consider the implications of supporting the IVF industry. While IVF itself may not be inherently wrong, the industry’s practices, such as the creation and destruction of excess embryos and the screening and selection of embryos based on genetic criteria, are morally problematic.

Should Christians, who believe that all human beings are made in the image of God, support an industry that routinely discards human life without remorse for the sake of parental fulfillment or scientific advancement? The widespread acceptance of these practices within the industry raises serious concerns about the devaluation of human life. The contingent wrongs associated with IVF, such as the creation and destruction of excess embryos, are significant enough to warrant serious moral consideration. The potential for harm is so great that Christians should carefully weigh the ethical implications before supporting or participating in IVF.

Lessons

What lessons does IVF teach us about human life? The technology, particularly practices like embryo screening, promotes a consumerist mentality towards children, where they are seen as commodities to be created and selected based on parental preferences.

This perspective challenges the traditional understanding of children as gifts to be received and nurtured. IVF can contribute to a culture that values children for their potential to fulfill parental desires rather than their inherent dignity as human beings. Technology is not neutral and can shape our values and beliefs about human life. Christians should critically examine the lessons embedded within IVF and its impact on our understanding of human dignity and the sanctity of life.

Dominion

While not explicitly addressed when discussing IVF, the concept of dominion is important. Humanity has dominion over creation, but this dominion is not absolute. It comes with a responsibility to care for and steward God’s creation, including human life. IVF raises questions about the limits of our dominion and the ethical implications of manipulating human life for our purposes.

Dominion is not a license to exploit or destroy creation. Instead, it is a call to exercise responsible stewardship and to honor the inherent dignity and value of all living beings. Do current IVF practices align with our responsibility to care for human life?

Conclusion

These five keywords – excess, screen, support, lessons, and dominion – offer a framework for thinking critically about IVF from a pro-life perspective. While IVF may offer hope for couples struggling with infertility, it raises ethical concerns that should not be ignored. Upholding the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death requires engaging in thoughtful dialogue and making informed decisions that align with our values. Considering these keywords can help navigate the complex ethical landscape of IVF and seek to honor the dignity of all human life in the pursuit of parenthood.