Is in vitro fertilization (IVF) biblical?

The topic of in vitro fertilization (IVF) from a biblical perspective raises complex ethical, theological, and moral questions. This study examines whether IVF is biblically permissible, considering the principles of Scripture and the nuances of how the procedure is carried out, including the ethical handling of embryos.

Biblical Principles and IVF

Several biblical principles can be applied to evaluate the ethics and morality of IVF:

1. Sanctity of Human Life

Genesis 1:27 (NKJV): “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

Psalm 139:13-16 (NKJV): “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.”

These passages underscore the belief that human life is sacred and created in the image of God. This principle implies that every human life, including embryos, holds intrinsic value and should be treated with respect.

2. Stewardship and Responsibility

Genesis 1:28 (NKJV): “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”

1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV): “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

These verses show that human beings are stewards of God’s creation and are entrusted with responsibilities. In the context of IVF, this implies that couples should handle the process with integrity and respect for life, being mindful of the ethical implications of their actions.

3. The Purpose of Procreation

Genesis 2:24 (NKJV): “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Psalm 127:3 (NKJV): “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.”

These scriptures highlight that procreation is a natural and blessed part of marital unity and that children are a gift from God. IVF, as a means of assisting couples in achieving this goal, must align with the intended purpose of procreation.

Ethical Considerations in IVF

IVF involves several stages and decisions that can raise ethical concerns, particularly regarding the handling of embryos. These considerations are crucial when evaluating whether IVF can be considered biblical:

1. Embryo Creation and Handling

In IVF, eggs and sperm are combined to create embryos outside the womb. The handling and fate of these embryos raise questions about their moral status and how they should be treated.

Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJV): “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

This verse emphasizes that God’s relationship with individuals begins before birth, suggesting that life and personhood are recognized even in the early stages of development.

When IVF procedures involve the creation of embryos, these embryos should be treated with respect and not discarded casually. The ethical handling of embryos, in alignment with biblical principles, requires that only those embryos intended for implantation should be created and that any loss should be viewed as a natural occurrence, not a deliberate act.

2. Selective Reduction and Embryo Disposal

Selective reduction involves the termination of some embryos to improve the chances of survival for others. Embryo disposal refers to the destruction of embryos that are not implanted. Both practices are not biblical.

Exodus 20:13 (NKJV): “You shall not murder.”

Proverbs 6:16-17 (NKJV): “These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood.”

The prohibition against murder and the aversion to shedding innocent blood imply that the destruction of embryos should not be done. In the context of IVF, the ethical approach would involve only creating and implanting embryos that are intended to be brought to term.

3. Use of Donor Gametes

In some IVF procedures, donor eggs or sperm are used. This practice raises questions about the biblical view of parenthood and the integrity of the family unit.

Genesis 2:24 (NKJV): “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Malachi 2:15 (NKJV): “But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.”

These verses suggest that the procreative act is intended to occur within the marital bond, involving both spouses.

Ethical Guidelines for IVF According to Biblical Principles

To align with biblical principles, IVF practices should adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Respect for Embryos: Only create as many embryos as can be ethically implanted, and handle all embryos with respect. Avoid practices such as selective reduction and the casual disposal of embryos.
2. Marital Integrity: Ensure that the use of IVF aligns with the biblical view of procreation within the marital bond.
3. Stewardship and Responsibility: Approach IVF with a sense of stewardship, making decisions that honor the sanctity of life and reflect a responsible use of medical technology.

The biblical evaluation of in vitro fertilization involves applying principles related to the sanctity of human life, stewardship, and the purpose of procreation. Concerning IVF, key principles can guide its ethical application.

IVF can be considered biblical if it aligns with the following criteria:

• Respect for Life: Treat embryos with respect and avoid practices that involve the deliberate destruction of potential life.
• Ethical Handling: Only create and implant embryos that are intended for gestation.
• Marital Integrity: Ensure that IVF practices honor the biblical view of procreation within marriage.

By adhering to these guidelines, couples can approach IVF in a manner consistent with biblical principles, respecting the sanctity of life and the purpose of procreation. This approach ensures that IVF remains a tool for fulfilling the divine command to be fruitful and multiply while also maintaining ethical integrity and honoring the value of every human life.