Southern Baptist Convention Upholds Opposition to In Vitro Fertilization

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), one of the largest Evangelical Christian denominations in the United States, has formalized its opposition to in vitro fertilization (IVF) due to the destruction of human embryos involved in the process. The resolution, passed on Wednesday, encourages couples struggling with infertility to consider alternatives and seek hope, grace, and wisdom from God.

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has taken a resolute stance against in vitro fertilization (IVF), expressing concern over the destruction of human embryos in the process. The resolution, passed on Wednesday, reflects the denomination's belief that life begins at conception and that all human life deserves protection.

The SBC resolution acknowledges the challenges faced by couples struggling with infertility but emphasizes that IVF is not the only path to parenthood. It encourages adoption and the consideration of adopting frozen embryos as ways to grow families and rescue those destined for destruction.

Southern Baptist Convention Upholds Opposition to In Vitro Fertilization

IVF has become a contentious issue among Republicans since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, with some states implementing laws that protect human life from the moment of conception. This has raised concerns about the legal liability of destroying frozen embryos, leading many IVF clinics to pause operations until protections are established.

To address these concerns, two Republican senators, Ted Cruz and Katie Britt, have introduced a bill that would safeguard access to IVF treatments nationwide. The bill would enshrine protections for the fertility procedure into law, ensuring that couples seeking IVF have legal recourse.

Southern Baptist Convention Upholds Opposition to In Vitro Fertilization

The SBC's opposition to IVF aligns with the stance of other religious denominations, including the Catholic Church. In April, the Vatican released a document reaffirming its condemnation of IVF and surrogate pregnancies, viewing them as an affront to human dignity.

The SBC resolution states that "we grieve alongside couples who have been diagnosed with infertility or are currently struggling to conceive, affirm their godly desire for children, and encourage them to consider the ethical implications of assisted reproductive technologies as they look to God for hope, grace, and wisdom amid suffering."

Southern Baptist Convention Upholds Opposition to In Vitro Fertilization

It further emphasizes the sanctity of human life, stating that "every human person, including an embryo, is created in the image of God and is therefore worthy of protection and respect."

The SBC resolution calls on churches to provide support and compassion to couples experiencing infertility, offering guidance and encouragement as they navigate this challenging journey.

The resolution also affirms the importance of adoption as a means of providing loving homes to children in need. It encourages churches to promote adoption as an alternative to IVF and to collaborate with adoption agencies to facilitate the placement of children in stable and loving families.

The SBC's resolution is a powerful statement of its commitment to protecting human life and promoting ethical practices in the realm of reproductive technology. It serves as a reminder that the sanctity of human life extends to all stages of development, from conception onward.