The Ache of Barrenness
Having trouble having children can be one of the heaviest burdens for a married couple. The Bible shares the sadness of this experience in the stories of Sarah (Gen. 11:30; 21:1–7), Rachel (Gen. 29:31; 30:1), Hannah (1 Sam. 1:2–11), and Elizabeth (Luke 1:7). Their pain was felt not just by them, but by their communities, because in ancient times, being unable to have kids brought shame and made life harder. However, the Scriptures also remind us that God often changes situations of emptiness into joy, turning tears into laughter (Ps. 113:9). These beautiful stories speak to many couples today who are struggling with infertility and help us think about modern medical options like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in a biblical way. In these times of deep sorrow and longing, we can find comfort in knowing that God hears our prayers and is capable of bringing forth life even in the most desperate situations. Just as He opened the wombs of those faithful women in the Bible, we can trust that He sees our struggles and may have a plan to bless us. It is important to approach the topic of fertility with both faith and wisdom, understanding that medical advancements like IVF can be tools that God uses to fulfill His promises and bring families together.
In our time, medical advances offer what people in the past wished for—the chance to overcome infertility. IVF provides genuine hope, but it also brings about important questions about faith and morals: is creating a child in a lab what God wants? What do we say about the embryos made outside of a mother’s body? Does IVF honor the preciousness of life, or does it risk treating children like products of technology? These concerns go beyond just those in the Christian faith. Even those who don’t share religious beliefs have thought about IVF’s impact on human dignity, fairness in having children, and the responsibilities of medical care.
As we reflect on these questions, we must remember that each child is a gift from God, entrusted to us for love and care. In the Scriptures, we see that God has a plan for every life, and it is important for us to consider how our choices align with His will. Using the tools of science can be a blessing, but we should also tread carefully, ensuring that we are honoring the divine purpose of life in every decision we make regarding creation and family.
God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
A key belief in Christianity is that God is in control of creating life. The psalmist shares, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Ps. 139:13). God also tells Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jer. 1:5). These verses remind us that human life begins not by chance, but under God’s care. From this view, in vitro fertilization (IVF) brings up an important question: does trying to create life this way mean we are trying to go around God’s plan? The psalmist also reminds us, “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Ps. 127:1). Therefore, Christians need to think about whether using medical technology fits with God’s will or if it shows that we are trying to take control ourselves.
It’s essential to recognize that God’s creation is a beautiful and intentional process, designed by Him. Life is a precious gift, and as Christians, we are called to respect and honor it. The Bible teaches us that God knows each of us even before we are formed, emphasizing His deep involvement in our lives. When considering modern methods like IVF, we must prayerfully reflect on how these practices align with Scripture and our faith. Striving to understand God’s purpose for life can provide guidance in navigating these complex decisions in a way that honors His plan for creation.
Yet, it’s important to understand that the Bible doesn’t tell us we can’t seek help when it comes to healing. God often uses ordinary people and things, like doctors and medicine, to aid us in our times of need. Therefore, fertility treatments can be viewed as one of God’s wonderful gifts to us, as long as we approach them with care and respect for His divine plan. The Apostle Paul reminds us in his letter, saying, “Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial” (1 Cor. 10:23). This encourages us to think carefully about our choices: while IVF may be a medical solution we consider, we must sincerely reflect on whether it fits within our faith and truly leads us toward goodness and fulfilling God’s vision for our lives. In this journey, let us remember that God is always with us, guiding us through our decisions and surrounding us with love and support from our family, friends, and the community of believers. We must pray for wisdom and clarity, trusting that when we seek His will, He will lead us to the right path. God desires for us to thrive, and as we navigate the options available to us, we can find peace in His presence and assurance in His plans for our future.
The Dignity of the Embryo
Perhaps the most important question about IVF is what we should think about the embryo’s value and status. In this process, many embryos are created in a lab; some are placed inside a woman, while others are frozen, and many are eventually thrown away. From a biblical point of view, this raises serious concerns because the Bible teaches that life is precious from the very moment of conception. For example, Psalm 139:13–16 beautifully expresses how God knows each unborn child intimately, showing that He cares deeply for them even before they are born. Additionally, Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that God sees the embryo as a person with a purpose, even before it grows and develops. For many evangelicals, the act of destroying or neglecting these embryos goes against the belief that all life is sacred and should be respected and cherished.
Ethicist Wayne Grudem believes that Christians should be careful when considering in vitro fertilization (IVF). He argues that two important rules must be followed: first, no embryos should be destroyed or thrown away because they are fully human from the moment of conception. Second, the process should only involve the husband’s sperm and the wife’s egg, without using help from third parties like donors or surrogates, to keep the marriage bond strong. Grudem supports this view with the belief that every embryo reflects God’s image, as mentioned in Psalm 139:13–16. Even among those who may not share Christian beliefs, bioethicists express similar worries. When embryos are seen as mere extra materials, it weakens the difference between human beings and things that can be discarded, threatening the basis of human rights.
Marriage, Covenant, and Surrogacy
One important issue is the meaning of marriage. The Bible teaches us that marriage is a special bond where a husband and wife become “one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). This intimate relationship is designed to lead to having children and creating a family. However, when people use methods like IVF, which involve donors providing sperm or eggs, or when they pursue surrogacy, it disrupts this sacred bond. Looking back at biblical history, we see cautionary tales that reveal the potential troubles of straying from God’s plan. For example, when Sarah offered her servant Hagar to Abraham (Gen. 16), and when Rachel gave Bilhah to Jacob (Gen. 30), it resulted in jealousy and hurt feelings among the family. Scott Rae and Joy Riley highlight that modern surrogacy brings about similar challenges, moving away from God’s intention for families and making it more difficult for children to grasp their family background. They emphasize the importance of understanding how these choices may impact our relationships and the children involved (Outside the Womb: Moral Guidance for Assisted Reproduction, Moody, 2011, p. 53).
Many people, even those who don’t follow the Bible, notice that surrogacy can create serious problems. One major concern is fairness. Often, women who don’t have much money feel pressured into having babies for wealthier couples. This situation can lead to exploitation, making it seem like some people are using others just to get a child. Additionally, there are struggles over who truly is the parent, and it raises worries about the children not knowing their biological parents. These issues are not just legal; they touch on deep spiritual and emotional matters. The Bible teaches us to cherish family and life. Both Christian beliefs and the moral values of many non-religious people caution against choices that can harm families and treat life as if it were merely a product to be bought and sold.
Catholic and Protestant Responses
The Catholic Church has always stood against in vitro fertilization (IVF) because it goes against its core beliefs about life and family. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that IVF is not right in God’s eyes since it removes the beautiful act of creating life from the loving bond between a husband and wife. This separation can hurt both the parents and the child they long to have (§2376). Moreover, a important document from the Vatican, called Donum Vitae, written in 1987, points out that IVF treats the creation of life like a cold science project rather than recognizing children as precious gifts from God. The Church believes that children should be born out of the natural love and commitment that parents share, reflecting God’s design for families and His intention for how life should begin.
Protestant responses to in vitro fertilization (IVF) vary widely among different churches. Some Protestant communities believe it is acceptable to use medical help to support natural conception, like medications that help with ovulation or techniques such as intrauterine insemination. However, there are those who firmly oppose IVF altogether. For example, the Southern Baptist Convention, which is the largest Protestant group in the United States, made a clear statement in 2024 against IVF. They raised concerns about issues like the destruction of embryos, the problem of having many frozen embryos, and the idea of treating children as commodities (Southern Baptist Convention, Resolution on In Vitro Fertilization, 2024). On the other hand, some evangelical leaders approach IVF with caution but suggest that it might be morally acceptable if certain conditions are met. They believe it should only happen if no embryos are harmed, if no outside parties are involved, and if the whole process is kept within the loving bond of marriage. In their book, The Infertility Companion: Hope and Help for Couples Facing Infertility (Zondervan, 2010, p. 228), Sandra L. Glahn and William R. Cutrer point out that creating many embryos often leads to some being discarded or aborted, which can diminish the value of life as understood in the Bible.
IVF as Providence with Boundaries
Some Christians view medical technology, such as IVF, as a wonderful gift from God, much like any other form of healing medicine. Just as God uses doctors and medications to heal sickness brought about by sin, He can also use fertility treatments to help couples who are struggling to have children. This belief is supported by stories in the Bible where God opened the wombs of women like Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth, who were once unable to conceive. However, this view comes with important guidelines. When considering IVF, it is crucial to respect God’s sovereignty and uphold moral values. Practices like destroying embryos, using donors who are not part of the couple, or arranging surrogacy can go against Christian beliefs and ethics, and may undermine the integrity of faith.
Even for those who may not hold religious beliefs, the conversation around technology and pregnancy is not just about whether machines can help us have babies, but also about whether we, as a society, can establish proper rules to prevent misuse. Important questions arise concerning how we choose our children’s traits, whether we consider the sex of the baby, and what happens to extra embryos. These aren’t just issues for theologians; they affect us all and reflect on our shared values. In both church communities and in everyday life, in vitro fertilization (IVF) reminds us that while technology can achieve amazing things, we must always let our moral compass guide us. Failing to do so could lead to advancements that overshadow the value of every human life.
Exploring the Heart of Pastoral Care and Practical Faith
Beyond teachings and moral principles, couples who long to have children often face a very real and emotional struggle. Infertility is more than just a medical issue; it brings deep sadness and pain that can touch the very core of who they are. Just like Rachel, who cried out to Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!” (Genesis 30:1), many couples feel this intense desire in their hearts. Because of this deep yearning, the church should offer love, compassion, and support rather than judgment. When couples consider in vitro fertilization (IVF), they deserve gentle guidance that is rooted in biblical truth. This support should help them carefully navigate this important decision, reminding them that they are not alone on their journey.
It’s crucial to remind believers that their worth does not depend solely on being biological parents. The New Testament teaches us that family can be understood not just through our blood relations but also through our faith in Jesus Christ. In Mark 3:33–35 and Galatians 4:4–7, we see that those who follow Jesus are part of God’s family, irrespective of biological connections.
Choices like adoption, fostering children, or mentoring young believers are not just good alternatives; they are meaningful ways to build God’s family here on Earth. James 1:27 emphasizes that caring for orphans reflects true faith in action. Therefore, even if couples do not choose IVF or if it does not succeed, God still calls them to be fruitful in significant ways that extend beyond biological parenthood. There are many paths to fulfill this calling, and each one is valuable in the eyes of the Lord.
A Testament to Lasting Impact
In vitro fertilization (IVF) offers a beacon of hope for many couples longing for children, yet it brings forth important reflections on the journey of life and how we view family. For Christians, it’s essential to remember that God is the ultimate giver of life. Each embryo created during IVF is not just a potential child; it holds immense value and dignity as part of God’s creation. We are called to honor this gift by ensuring our choices reflect our faith, maintaining the sacredness of marriage, and acting with love and responsibility. IVF can be seen as a path to parenthood, but we must tread lightly, inviting God into our decisions, and ensuring that our actions align with His will.
For those who may not share the same faith, the ethical concerns surrounding IVF are still significant. The challenge lies in maintaining the dignity of each life and avoiding the notion that life can be treated like a commodity. Scientific advancements should uplift humanity rather than reduce individuals to mere lab specimens. As Scripture reminds us, “All things are lawful, but not all things are beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23). This wisdom encourages us to evaluate our choices thoughtfully. Children are not mere rewards; they are precious gifts from God. As we engage in discussions about IVF and life, let us remember to show compassion, valuing each soul and upholding the sanctity of life in all our decisions.
In a world where the lines between science and ethics blur, how do we ensure that our pursuit of parenthood does not compromise the very values we hold dear?
Jonathan Samuel Konala M.Tech.,MTh
Jonathan Samuel's Pilgrim Thoughts 
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