In Vitro Fertilization is Often Unethical
Many infertile women turn to in vitro fertilizaton to help them conceive children. In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is the process of fertilizing an egg outside the womb. Once fertilized, the newly-conceived human embryo is placed in a woman’s uterus in the hopes that a successful implantation will occur.
But the chance of success implantation is not increased by implanting numerous embryo in a woman’s womb. New scientific research shows that success rates are basically identical between women who only have two embryos implanted and women who have three or more implanted. Doctors are now urging women to only have one or two embryos implanted.
However, such advice still misses the point.
IVF treatment is more ethically problematic than most people know. It is an unethical practice because it commonly results in the creation of embryos without any likelihood of implantation. As a result, countless tiny humans are now languishing in freezers without hope of ever being implanted.
It doesn’t matter that doctors are advising the implantation of fewer tiny embryos. The real question is: How many were fertilized in order to select a few to implant?
From the moment of conception, these zygotes are humans, and should be treated as such. They are uniquely human, with a particular human DNA structure never to be replicated again. Implanting several tiny humans in a woman’s womb with full knowledge that many will not survive is also wrong. But fertilizing countless tiny humans with no intention of allowing them to develop is also wrong.
Any artificial reproduction technologies that involve the intentional destruction of life should be rejected. God has created humanity in His own image. Because of this, each and every human, regardless of sex, color, nationality, age, or stage of development is valuable in His sight.
Related Information:
Associated Press: Study finds no better odds using 3 embryos in IVF
A new study of fertility treatment found that women who get three or more embryos have no better odds of having a baby than those who get just two embryos.
They also have a greater chance of risky multiple births.
Psalm 139:13-16
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 lowest parts 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.