In vitro fertilization - What does the Bible say?

TL;DR:

In vitro fertilization is not specifically addressed in the Bible, but God values all human life, including embryos, so they must be treated ethically. Christians considering IVF should prayerfully seek God’s guidance, uphold the sanctity of life, and approach the process with patience and trust in His perfect plan.

what does the bible say?

The Bible does not specifically address the topic of in vitro fertilization, but it does make clear that God values every human life, born and unborn. In vitro fertilization is the process of fertilizing an egg outside a woman’s body and then implanting it in her uterus at a good time within her cycle with the goal of achieving pregnancy. For many infertile couples and unmarried women, in vitro fertilization sounds like a Godsend. Harvesting a woman’s eggs , fertilizing those eggs, and implanting them is not unbiblical. There is nothing unbiblical about those eggs not implanting and resulting in a full-term pregnancy. But there are a few major issues with in vitro fertilization that must be taken into consideration. For example, in vitro fertilization involves creating many embryos, which are individual human lives. If all the embryos are not implanted, they are generally destroyed. The Bible speaks very clearly about the taking of innocent human life as being murder. So, we should understand the destruction of any leftover embryos as being equal to murder. At the same time, there are ways to handle the leftover eggs without the destruction of the unused embryos. In vitro fertilization should always be approached by couples in a prayerful, patient manner.

from the old testament

Genesis 1:26 teaches us that all people are created in the image of God.
Exodus 20:13 commands us not to murder.
All people, including those with special needs and the unborn, are valuable to God and created in His image (Leviticus 19:14).
Psalm 139:13-16: God sees us when we are still unformed and unborn. He creates every part of us inside our mother’s womb.
Jeremiah 1:5: God knows the plans He has for each person’s life before they are even born.

from the new testament

Romans 12:2 tells us that God’s Spirit transforms believers from a worldly viewpoint to one that works to identify and follow the perfect will of God. This is true in all our decision-making, including whether to use medical interventions like IVF.
Galatians 5:22: The fruit of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life includes patience, which is required when dealing with infertility.

implications for today

Struggling with infertility can be a deeply emotional and spiritual challenge, and considering in vitro fertilization (IVF) involves many complex decisions. Christians are called to approach such decisions prayerfully, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance (Romans 12:2). We must uphold the value of every life, including embryos, as precious in God’s sight (Psalm 139:13-16). This may mean exploring ethical approaches to IVF that align with God’s design, such as ensuring no embryos are discarded or left unused. Patience and trust in God’s timing are also crucial (Galatians 5:22), as His plans for our lives are good and perfect (Jeremiah 29:11). While the desire for parenthood is a beautiful longing, seeking God’s will above all ensures that our decisions honor Him and reflect His love for every human life.

understand

The Bible does not specifically address or forbid in vitro fertilization.
There are very serious issues to consider as a Christian before embarking into the process of in vitro fertilization.
All children, no matter their age or development, are of high value to God and made in His image.

reflect

How can you prayerfully seek God’s wisdom when considering decisions about starting a family?
How can you trust God’s timing and plan, even if facing the emotional challenges of infertility?
How do you view the sanctity of human life, and how does this perspective influence your decisions regarding medical interventions like IVF?

engage

How can we support couples who are struggling with infertility in ways that honor God’s design for life?
What biblical principles should guide our approach to medical advancements like in vitro fertilization?
How can we navigate the ethical challenges surrounding unused embryos while upholding the value of every human life?