How IVF and Christianity Fit Together

Christianity is a global religion with numerous denominations and 2.4 billion followers. Though institutional Christian views on in vitro fertilization (IVF) are mixed, the vast majority of practicing Christians are in strong support of IVF. In this article, we’ll explore how Christian theology and values support the process and goals of IVF. 

Institutional Christian Views vs. Popular Christian Views on IVF

Most Protestant denominations do not have a firm position for or against in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the Catholic Church condemns it as immoral.

The institutional and doctrinal Christian view holds that human life begins at conception–when the sperm fertilizes the egg, making an embryo. For some Christians, the embryo is considered a human being that is protected by the rules of Christian morality. 

Though from a scientific perspective, life does begin at conception, the reality of personhood or even genetic uniqueness requires a more nuanced understanding of the early stages of embryonic development.

Scientific consensus holds that “Genetic uniqueness and singleness coincide only after implantation and restriction have completed, which is about 3 weeks after fertilization. Until that period, the zygote and its sequelae are in a fluid process, are not physical individual, and therefore cannot be a person.”

IVF generally entails the creation of multiple 3 and 5 day old embryos in order to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Some of these embryos are discarded due to genetic abnormalities, while others are frozen for later use and/or donated.

Despite the scientifically dubious assertion that 3 and 5 day old embryos are anything more than a fluid mass of cells, a small minority of Christians believe that embryos created with IVF are human beings and that should be protected from genetic selection and cryogenic preservation. 

Setting aside the question of when “life”-as defined as conception–becomes an actual human being, the vast majority of pro-life proponents, including evangelical Christians, support IVF. 

According to national polling by USA Today, assisted reproduction is supported by

• 78% of people who consider themselves pro-life
• 83% of evangelical Christians
• 86% of women 

Scriptural Support for IVF

When considering the fit between IVF and Christianity, Christian proponents of IVF point to numerous verses in the bible that support their views. 

Infertility is a form of Suffering that God Wants Women to Overcome

In the bible, there are many instances in which infertility is described as a source of suffering that God has compassion for. (Gen. 30:1) (1 Sam. 1:5–10). There are also various examples of God intervening with miracles to help women overcome infertility. 

For example, Hannah, mother of Samuel, called out to the Lord, expressing the deep sorrow of her infertility.(1 Sam. 1:2–18). 

Sarah, the wife of Abraham, father of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), was infertile until old age when she miraculously bore Isaac. (Gen. 21)

But before this, Abraham and Sarah also used surrogacy. Though not IVF, it can certainly be considered a “fertility treatment.”

The first biblical account of surrogacy is the story of Sarah and Abraham in the Book of Genesis. Though married, Sarah and Abraham could not conceive a child of their own. Sarah turned to her servant Hagar to bear Abraham’s child. In this case, the surrogate uses her own egg to help create the child she carries for the intended parents. (Gen. 11:30; 16:1)

Likewise, Zechariah and Elizabeth were infertile into old age until God intervened and Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist. (Luke 1:7)

Jacob’s wife, Rachel, was unable to bear children for a long time after her marriage to Jacob (Gen. 29:31), as was Samson’s mother, the wife of Manoah (Judg. 13:2). 

In another passage, God “gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD!.” (Ps. 113:9)

These narratives of overcoming infertility resonate with the overarching view that children are a blessing from God: “Behold. Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” (Ps. 127:3). “He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD!” (Ps. 113:9).

In summary, the bible describes God as compassionate for those suffering infertility, intervenes to help families overcome infertility, and deems creating children as a blessing. 

Human Ingenuity and Modern Medicine are a Blessing

Christian proponents of IVF support their position by citing biblical passages that describe how God created an abundant earth with resources to be used by humans, including as medicine: “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (Ps. 24:1).

Through the example of Jesus the healer, God can be viewed as being pleased when people help each other overcome disease and disability. (Luke 4:40)

Ingenuity is a quality that God instilled in humans. Through our God-given ingenuity we created IVF as a tool to eliminate the suffering of infertility and to bring about the joyous abundance of life on earth. 

Tailoring IVF to Christian Beliefs

The are ways to adapt the IVF process to the needs of Christians who are concerned about the creation of multiple embryos. 

Fewer Embryos

Though standard IVF seeks to fertilize multiple eggs to increase the odds of a successful pregnancy, it is possible to fertilize as few as a single egg. Keep in mind that this approach will likely increase the cost of reproductive assistance if that single egg does not mature into a live birth. 

Compassionate Transfer

For people concerned about what happens to unused surplus embryos, there is an option called compassionate transfer.

In a compassionate transfer procedure, in vitro embryos are placed into a patient’s vagina, cervix, or uterus during the period in their menstrual cycle when it is highly unlikely for a pregnancy to occur. The intention is that the embryos will perish in a way that is more aligned with the patient’s values.

Embryo Donation 

Embryo donation is a way to share the gift of life with others who are suffering from infertility. 

The way it works is that embryos from a couple that have successfully become pregnant with IVF are given to another person or couple who require donated eggs, sperm, or both to achieve pregnancy. Many people who receive embryo donations would have to adopt otherwise. 

IVF and Christianity: The Bottom Line

While some perceive IVF as a challenge to the doctrines of Christianity, most Christians view IVF as a way to overcome the suffering of infertility and live in alignment with traditional family values and Christian teachings on love, compassion, and the sanctity and joy of new life.