Should Christian Couples Use IVF? | Episode 171

Is it biblically acceptable for Christian couples to use in vitro fertilization (IVF) if they are unable to conceive children naturally? Some Christian groups object to the practice because it can lead to the destruction of leftover human embryos. Dr. David K. Bernard discusses the United Pentecostal Church International's pro-life stance and how it applies to the practice of in vitro fertilization.

Visit UPCI.org/statements-archive to access the UPCI's official position paper titled "Human Life."

If you enjoyed this video, keep in touch with Dr. Bernard on social media and subscribe to this channel for more content.

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[monicabentz]

Thank you for discussing these topics. Very Diplomatic response. I appreciate that. I am an RN and oppose IVF because it is a slippery slope and am not convinced you can separate the destruction of embryos in the process and feel as if one is taking matters into their own hands and “playing God.”. That being said however, I am aware this is a very difficult /sensitive subject so my options aside, seeking the Lord is the right thing. Of note, As the church we don’t need to take political sides for the sake of politics. Our world doesn’t need the church to pick a side on policy. Our world needs the Church to preach Jesus. ❤

[ambernichols]

These are such private matters and involve personal convictions. Personally, I'm thankful for a man of God in my life who would help me pray about situations in my life. I'm also thankful that, unlike many religions in the world, as believers, we do not need to adhere to a list of extrabiblical manmade should we seek to impose our own on other fellow believers. Another reason I so appreciate listening to this podcast - thoughtful, insightful answers, but never dogmatism

[Dean_Beezer]

Thanks for articulating the UPCI's position in this matter. Hopefully you can do one soon on euthanasia in general and in the specific instance where a person is in a vegetative state. Also, what biblical perspective may be shared concerning the "personhood" of individuals in said state. Love the podcasts DKB! Keep them coming!

[DebbieDavis-gv]

When people get desperate they can make terrible choices it's a blessing to see that God wisdom is the best advice the work of intro fertilization can be a blessing only in an acceptable manner not getting rid of life.

[nahamston]

My understanding of the science of these matters is that an embryo can remain viable in a form of cryostasis, basically being put on ice if it where. So the couple can have children later on or even make them available to other couples. This was a human life is preserved and allowed to live.

[jackiet]

Whether there are embryos left over or not, the fact is that the embryo was formed (not in the womb) but in a dish. The exact moment of fertilized egg with sperm happened by a person's hand. That person's shift was from 8:00 to 5:00 pm and the technician had scheduled meetings that day. Oh, so he needed to get those embryos created before closing time. The more I think about this, the more I'm appalled at the UPCI making a stance on it and compromising on a subject that has no place in church, unless it gives glory to God, as the creator and decider of every human conception. Agree that a couple may get counsel and advice from their personal pastor, but for a denomination to make such stances, will eventually have a 'stance' on every human action. Soon, it will be something like "should parents allow their kids to get fat?"

[KourtnieMarie]

From a pro-life perspective, every human life is sacred from the moment of conception, deserving of protection and respect. This belief extends to embryos. While it is commendable for couples undergoing IVF to plan on creating only the number of embryos they can personally implant, the process still raises ethical concerns that challenge pro-life principles.

Even when creating a limited number of embryos, the success rate of IVF remains relatively low, with only about 20-30% of embryos resulting in a live birth. This means that despite the careful planning to implant each embryo, many embryos do not survive the process. From a pro-life viewpoint, each of these embryos represents a distinct human life lost, making the process inherently risky and morally troubling.

Additionally, the possibility of unforeseen circumstances, such as changes in health, finances, or relationship dynamics (including death of a spouse), can impact the couple’s ability to implant all embryos as initially planned. This unpredictability introduces further ethical challenges, as embryos that were intended to be nurtured and brought to life may instead face indefinite freezing or disposal.

An alternative that aligns with the sanctity of life at every stage is embryo adoption, which allows existing embryos to be given the opportunity to develop, grow, and be born into loving families. Embracing embryo adoption can help reduce the need for creating new embryos, avoiding the ethical dilemmas associated with the low success rates and potential loss of life inherent in IVF.

In conclusion, while the intention to create only as many embryos as one can personally implant shows a commendable respect for life, the inherent risks and potential losses within the IVF process remain significant concerns from a pro-life perspective. By considering options like embryo adoption, couples can honor the pro-life commitment to protect every human life while pursuing their dream of parenthood.

[cyradinneen]

Thank you so much Mr. Bernard 🤍 This is something I’ve been praying about because I know it’s a grey area with the embryos left over. Thank you for this! 🙏🏼

[brittanygrant]

What about birth control? Specifically those that prevent conception. have one child and don't want any more right now.

[dhmc]

Please do a video on evolutionism and creationism please

[jakpodcast]

Can you talk about finances in the Bible? A lot of churches have a prosperity gospel or a poverty gospel. Thank you, and God bless!

[judithharvey]

Bro Bernard, thank you for addressing the issue of IVF, but I have questions. You mentioned that adopting a frozen embryo is acceptable. I’m confused as to how that type of “adoption” is viewed by the UPCI. Is it acceptable for the adopting parent to pay someone to carry the child in their womb?
Or if the adopting parent is the one carrying the embryo, would it be acceptable to have the embryo implanted inside her considering that the sperm and egg came from someone else?

[Jamlek]

What are the correct ways of true biblical parenting?

[BrandonE-rikm]

A bit more confused. Seems like the only way to do this is if you used all of the embryos which was mentioned.. how could any sort of adoption of an embryo occur without it being disordered?

[jackiet]

What would our Lord suggest? Just me, but I think He would want to see unwanted babies and children adopted. There are so many suffering people in this world.

While it's understandable that a Christian couple would want their own biological child, the method of conception should be taken seriously. Everything done by our Father is done for a purpose and in His timing. Shouldn't be allow Him to have a say as to how and when an embryo is created? Is it not in loving union by male and female (not by latex-gloved petrie dishes and aspirators).

As pastors, they should always encourage couples to pray and ask God to work a miracle or adopt, which is good advice here by Dr. Bernard. But, I don't understand how he would suggest IVF techniques as adequate, considering believers are encouraged to trust in God in everything.

We all know that the methods used are done in a cold sanitized lab. Frozen? How is that merciful? To have a newly-conceived soul/spirit human being frozen for future use? This sounds morbid. Anyone watch those movies where comatozed humans are kept in pods by aliens for future use? This is something out of a horror story. No different with an embryo sitting in a freezer. Where is that human embryo's soul??? Just sitting in a lifeless tank waiting? I'm sensing there is little faith in what our great God can do in miracles here. I'm sorry to say that I too desperately need to hear men of God speak "FAITH" to the sheep and don't hear much here. We just cannot trust man for everything, especially in the creation of a living God-breathing human being.

[yo-nqvm]

Y’all are getting way off topic from the Gospel.

[irisarroyo]

Former IVF Doctor Blows the Whistle on Shocking Practices | Guest: Dr. Lauren Rubal |