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 (Genesis 1:27) and carries inherent worth (Psalm 139:13-16). While the desire to build a family is a beautiful expression of God’s design, we are called to balance that desire with a commitment to uphold the value of every preborn life and to advocate for ethical practices in reproductive technologies.
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 held in IVF clinics across the nation, many of which face indefinite freezing, abandonment, or destruction. These embryos represent individual human lives, deserving of protection and respect. Compounding these concerns is the lack of regulation in the IVF industry, which operates without consistent oversight, ethical standards, or safeguards to address the serious harms posed to preborn lives.
The ERLC is calling for lawmakers to regulate the IVF industry and establish ethical boundaries to protect human embryos. 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 human lives at risk for the sake of convenience or financial gain.
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 practices that undermine 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.
