Can IVF be an Ethical Choice?
With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, conception-related controversies are being debated afresh, making many question, Can IVF be an ethical choice for growing a family?
What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a reproductive option that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body, typically in a laboratory dish. Then, the embryo is transferred into the uterus. The procedure was first successfully developed by two British scientists: physiologist Robert Edwards and gynecologist Patrick Steptoe. Their groundbreaking work led to the birth of Louise Brown, the world’s first “test-tube baby,” on July 25, 1978. The event marked a significant milestone in reproductive medicine and opened up new possibilities for individuals struggling with infertility. Since then, IVF has continued to evolve and has become a widely used technique for assisted reproduction worldwide.
The Controversial History of IVF
This does not mean that IVF has not weathered its share of controversy. Initially, there was significant skepticism and ethical debates surrounding the procedure. This was particularly true regarding safety, efficacy, and moral implications. However, as IVF became more established and successful, public perception began to shift. Over time, IVF has gained broader acceptance as a legitimate medical treatment for infertility. With widespread use, its controversial aspects diminished to some extent. That is, until the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade, which has reignited many old pro-life vs. pro-choice concerns, dominating our news cycles with arguments from both sides.
IVF still remains controversial in certain circles due to ongoing ethical, religious, and social debates. It is noteworthy to observe that it is not only pro-life Christians who wrestle with the complex repercussions of IVF. Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims, among other religious groups, have voiced concerns over the decades. In addition, some pro-choice moderates have their own ethical and technological concerns. Major discussions seem to revolve around a few collective issues: the status of embryos, the use of donor gametes (sperm and egg cells), and the wider consequences of such technical advancements.
In February 2024, Alabama’s Supreme Court ruled that embryos created during IVF are considered children and to be protected. This ruling is not without opposition, sparking horror in some and hope in others as it opens the way for other states to consider similar rulings. So, while IVF has become more mainstream and widely accepted, it continues to provoke discussion and controversy in various contexts.
Why is IVF Controversial?
With the landmark overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, IVF treatments are coming under scrutiny on the national stage, as well as at the state level. Many religious and pro-life groups are voicing fresh objections. This chorus of objectors is predominantly comprised of those who oppose the manipulation of human reproduction or believe that life begins at conception. These objections have caused both sides of the argument to reconsider if IVF treatments are viable in a pro-life world.
Is IVF Ethical?
Overall, pro-life objections to IVF treatments tend to center around major ethically-based concerns. Once more, questions around the sanctity of human life, the moral status of embryos, and the ethical entanglements of assisted reproductive technologies are being investigated. Let’s break these down so we know exactly what we’re talking about before we move forward.
1. Status of Embryos
Pro-life advocates often believe that life begins at conception when the sperm fertilizes the egg to form a new human life. In IVF, multiple embryos are typically created, but not all are implanted in the uterus. Some embryos may be “discarded,” frozen indefinitely, donated to research, or “selectively reduced” (terminated) if there are multiple viable embryos. Pro-life advocates see the creation and potential destruction of embryos in IVF as akin to abortion, which they oppose on moral grounds.
2. Sanctity of Human Life
Pro-life advocates view all human life as sacred and deserving of protection from conception to natural death. So too, religious believers value each person as a God-created individual. Therefore, all humans deserve protection because they are made in the image of God. Both pro-life and religious groups may argue that IVF treats embryos as mere commodities or experimental subjects rather than recognizing their inherent dignity and right to life.
3. Selective Reduction
In cases where multiple embryos are implanted during IVF and result in a multiple-pregnancy (e.g., twins, triplets), “selective reduction” may be recommended. Justifications for “reduction” include improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy and/or reducing risks to the mother and babies. Pro-life advocates may oppose “selective reduction,” arguing that it involves intentionally ending the lives of developing human beings. Many see the term “selective reduction” as a slightly more palatable synonym for “abortion.”
4. Reproductive Technologies
Some pro-life advocates have broader objections to reproductive technologies like IVF. Some view them as artificial interventions that disrupt the natural process of conception and family formation. They may advocate for natural methods of conception and family planning instead. While a minority concern in pro-life and religious communities, it is a point of controversy nonetheless.
Can IVF be an Ethical?
The more helpful, and long-term, question is not ‘If IVF is ethical?’ but ‘Can IVF be ethical?’ Although the answers, as with any developing science, are complex, the short of it is: yes. IVF treatments can absolutely be an ethical choice! At a minimum, they can be a more ethical choice than they currently are. Here’s how:
‣ Respect for Embryos
IVF clinics can prioritize the respectful treatment of embryos. This includes avoiding the creation of more embryos than necessary for a single transfer. It would ensure that we actively give the utmost care and consideration to any embryos created, as we should with any other human life. This might involve limiting the number of embryos created per cycle to reduce the likelihood of surplus embryos. It would also involve avoiding the discard or destruction of embryos whenever possible.
‣ Single Embryo Transfer
Furthermore, rather than transferring multiple embryos into the uterus to increase the chances of pregnancy, IVF clinics can promote single embryo transfer (SET) whenever feasible. SET reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies. It also reduces the need for “selective reduction.” Such measures align more closely with the pro-life principle of valuing each embryo’s life.
‣ Informed Consent
IVF clinics should ensure that individuals undergoing treatment fully understand the procedures involved. This would include specifics around the creation, disposition, and potential fate of the embryos. In our personal experience, many believers and pro-life advocates are not even aware of the controversial aspects of current IVP procedures. Providing comprehensive information and counseling about the ethical implications of IVF would help patients make informed decisions that align with their beliefs and values.
‣ Ethical Use of Donated Gametes
IVF clinics can establish clear guidelines for the ethical use of donated eggs and sperm. Such guidelines would ensure that donors actively consent and that any resulting embryos receive respectful and dignified treatment.
‣ Regulation and Oversight
Government regulations and professional guidelines can help ensure that IVF clinics adhere to ethical standards and practices. Oversight by regulatory bodies can promote transparency, accountability, and the protection of patients’ rights and the welfare of embryos.
IVF and the Future of Ethical Family Planning Choices
By implementing these measures, IVF treatments can be administered in ways that address some of the ethical concerns raised by pro-life advocates, while still offering individuals the opportunity to pursue fertility treatment. However, it’s important to recognize that IVF remains a complex and ethically challenging procedure. Finding consensus on these issues requires ongoing dialogue and collaboration among decision-makers on both sides of the debate. Thankfully, there is much opportunity for common ground, as both pro-choice and pro-life advocates want desiring families to prosper via reproduction.
Agree? Disagree? Tell us about it (respectfully) in the comments! 👇 We firmly believe that iron sharpens iron and know that we are NOT the final authority on spiritual issues.