Policy / Oppose Taxpayer-Funded Expansion of IVF and Support Regulation of IVF Industry

Oppose Taxpayer-Funded Expansion of IVF and Support Regulation of IVF Industry

Southern Baptists believe that every human life, from its very beginning, is a sacred gift from God and must be treated with dignity and care. Even at the embryonic stage, life reflects the image of our Creator (Gen. 1:27) and carries inherent worth (Ps. 139:13-16). While we affirm those who wish to grow their families as a good desire and grieve with those experiencing infertility, we cannot ignore serious ethical concerns with the practice of in vitro fertilization (IVF).

The practice of in vitro fertilization (IVF) presents profound ethical challenges, particularly in the treatment and fate of human embryos. It is estimated that as many as 1 million embryos are currently in IVF clinics across the nation, many of whom face indefinite freezing, abandonment, or destruction. These embryos represent individual human lives, deserving of protection and respect. These concerns are compounded by the reality that the IVF industry is wholly unregulated, lacking oversight, standards, and limitations that would mitigate many of the most egregious ethical harms toward women and children.

The ERLC is calling for lawmakers to take steps to regulate the IVF industry and establish ethical safeguards, better caring for all lives involved. Additionally, we oppose any expansion of taxpayer funding for IVF, or other assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) that disregard the sanctity of life. Taxpayer dollars should not be used to support practices that many Americans view as morally troubling, or that place precious human lives at risk.

Unfortunately, the Trump administration created a commercial insurance coverage option for IVF in 2025, allowing healthcare plans to cover and pay for IVF services. Meanwhile, provisions to expand IVF access keep appearing in Congress must-pass appropriations and military funding authorization bills, though no attempts have been successful.

At a minimum, the ERLC urges lawmakers to take steps to regulate the IVF industry and protect preborn lives from harm — with the ultimate belief that taxpayer dollars should not be going toward a practice that millions of Americans find deeply objectionable.

At the 2024 annual meeting, Southern Baptists adopted the resolution “On the Ethical Realities of Reproductive Technologies and the Dignity of the Human Embryo,” affirming the inherent value of every human life and urging the ethical use of medical technology. This resolution reflects the ongoing commitment of Southern Baptists to defend the most vulnerable and uphold the sanctity of life.

The ERLC is committed to advocating for policies that protect preborn lives, ensure ethical oversight of reproductive technologies, and respect the consciences of taxpayers. We call on lawmakers to prioritize meaningful regulations and to reject proposals that expand taxpayer funding for ethically questionable practices that tend to disregard the dignity of human life. As we seek to advance a culture of life, we stand firm in our resolve to protect the vulnerable and uphold God’s design for the family.