Christians, IVF, and when life begins

Today, we’re talking about how Christians can wisely and compassionately think about in vitro fertilization.

The reproductive medical technology known as in vitro fertilization, or IVF, has been in the news lately because of a crucial decision by the Alabama Supreme Court that clearly affirmed the personhood of human embryos. IVF is the procedure through which a woman’s egg and a man’s sperm are harvested and then fertilized outside of the womb. An embryo is created and implanted into the woman’s womb in hopes of leading to a pregnancy. IVF has enabled many couples wrestling with infertility to realize their dream of bearing children. Many of us know people who have used this technology. Yet, because it can lead to the good gift of children, most of us have not given the procedure a second thought. 

On today’s episode, Herbie Newell, president and executive director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms, is going to discuss a vital aspect of thinking carefully about IVF. Lifeline is located in Alabama and is intimately acquainted with helping couples grow their families through adoption and orphan care.

For more ERLC resources on this topic, visit:

• Ethical and Theological Considerations on IVF
• Explainer: How the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling on life affects IVF
• How Alabama’s IVF bill undermines the dignity of the unborn
• IVF Policy One-Pager
• ERLC Opposes VA’s Expansion of IVF Coverage