Most Evangelicals, Even Anti-Abortion Evangelicals, Fine With Killing Embryos Through IVF
In recent decades, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has become a celebrated marvel in our society of convenience, “progress,” and modernization. The process, often portrayed as a “miracle” for infertile couples, involves the creation of embryos outside the womb, which are then implanted into the woman’s uterus in the hope of becoming pregnant.
However, what is conveniently glossed over in this scheme of “playing God” is the grim reality of embryo destruction—death. At The Dissenter, we have long held the position that IVF, for all its touted benefits, is fundamentally at odds with a truly pro-life ethic, given that it invariably results in the destruction of multiple human beings.
Yet, a startling revelation from Pew Research’s latest findings paints a troubling picture of the evangelical community’s stance on IVF. A significant majority of evangelicals—63% of white evangelical Protestants, which would include groups like Southern Baptists, to be precise—view access to IVF positively. This includes a considerable proportion of those who claim to oppose abortion. Indeed, many of the same evangelicals who are quick to condemn the termination of a life through abortion are unopposed to the destruction of embryos through IVF.
It’s time to call a spade a spade—the “pro-life” movement, particularly among evangelicals, prides itself on defending the sanctity of life from conception. Yet, the silent acceptance of IVF’s inherent embryo destruction reveals a glaring hypocrisy. Are these evangelicals uneducated about the realities of IVF? Are they indifferent to the lives of the unborn when it’s inconvenient? Or worse, are their pro-life claims insincere?