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In my previous post, I briefly introduced a number of assisted reproductive technologies currently in use. Given tise dazzling array of techniques and procedures available to the couple experiencing difficulty bearing children, what moral and ethical implications are present for the Christian couple? [Note: The intended audience of these two posts are Christians who share certain assumptions regarding Scripture and the moral status of embryos as human persons.]

Before addressing that question, it is important to briefly note what scripture says concerning procreation. The early chapters of Genesis explain that God created humans male and female and commanded them to be fruitful and multiply. The whole of scriptural teaching indicates that procreation is to be done in the context of a stable, heterosexual, permanent, monogamous marriage. The Christian who views the Bible as a guide for moral behavior should readily accept such a commitment. This post is not written to convince the non-Christian of the validity of this rule, but arguments which do not appeal to scripture could be offered that would support the idea of procreation within that context.

Within that context, the Bible provides little instruction regarding third party contributors. Are sperm donors, egg donors, and surrogate mothers appropriate? Christians are found on both sides of this question. My view is that the question is not directly addressed in scripture and is matter of personal conscience. There are certainly ethical implications which must be worked out if a couple chooses to use donors or surrogates. My only thought at this time is that we must be especially careful to avoid a situation in which human persons are sold or are used for the purpose of financial gain.

The most important ethical principle for Christians to remember is that an embryo is a human person and deserves the respect we give to all human life. They are not to be discarded like trash. No embryo should be created which is not given the chance to live. It is common procedure, due to the high cost of these technologies, to harvest and fertilize as many eggs as possible. IVF clinics also have other incentives to maximize the number of embryos produced, since this increases their success rate.

The Christian couple should limit the number of embryos created to those which they are willing and safely able to carry to term. Eggs and sperm may be discarded, but embryos are human persons and should be treated as such. Embryos created in the lab ought to have the chance to be implanted and develop, preferably with the couple that created it. If not, then donation to another couple should be pursued. Of course, selectively reducing the number of embryos that “take” is unacceptable. If embryos are frozen, they must still be afforded the respect of human persons. They should, at some time, be implanted into the mother’s womb to grow and develop or be donated to infertile couples.