In recent years, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) has become a widely accepted method for couples struggling with infertility. IVF offers the hope of parenthood for those who are unable to conceive naturally, but this reproductive technology raises deep moral and ethical concerns that cannot be ignored.

At the heart of the issue is the status of embryos created through IVF. The Alabama Supreme Court, in a landmark ruling, recognized embryos as children, reaffirming the belief that life begins at conception. This ruling reflects a Christian understanding of the sanctity of life—an understanding that should guide our moral compass when it comes to how we view and treat embryos.

The Sanctity of Life and IVF

As Christians, we believe that every life is sacred, created in the image of God. The Bible teaches us that God knows us even before we are formed in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5), and that life begins at conception. From this perspective, every embryo created in the process of IVF is not just a potential life, but a life in itself—a child of God with intrinsic value and dignity.

Yet, IVF often involves the creation of multiple embryos, many of which are not implanted. These “extra” embryos are typically frozen, discarded, or used for research. This is where the process enters ethically dangerous territory. The destruction or freezing of embryos treats human life as a commodity, something to be used or discarded based on convenience. This is fundamentally at odds with the Christian belief in the sanctity of every human life.

The Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling aligns with this belief, recognizing that embryos are not simply biological material but are children with rights. By acknowledging the personhood of embryos, the Court has set an important precedent that challenges the ethical framework of IVF. If embryos are children, then their destruction or indefinite freezing becomes a moral violation, comparable to the death of any other child.

Donald Trump’s Support for IVF

Donald Trump, during his presidency and in his public statements, has expressed support for IVF, reflecting a broader societal acceptance of the procedure. His daughter, Ivanka Trump, has openly discussed her use of IVF to conceive children. While Trump has been a staunch advocate for pro-life policies, his support for IVF presents a contradiction that many Christian conservatives find troubling.

To be clear, the desire to support families and help couples struggling with infertility is a noble and compassionate goal. However, as believers, we must hold even our political allies accountable to a consistent pro-life ethic. Supporting IVF without addressing the moral concerns it raises is inconsistent with the pro-life stance that champions the sanctity of life from conception to natural death.

While Trump has done much to advance pro-life causes, such as appointing conservative judges and defunding abortion providers, his support for IVF requires further scrutiny. We should encourage political leaders to take a closer look at the ethical implications of reproductive technologies like IVF and advocate for policies that protect all human life, including embryos.

Adoption: A Better Alternative

For couples struggling with infertility, the desire to have children is deeply understandable and should be met with compassion and support. However, instead of turning to IVF, which involves the creation and destruction of embryos, adoption offers a life-affirming alternative that aligns with the values of life, love, and compassion.

Adoption reflects the very heart of the Gospel. As Christians, we believe that through Christ, we have been adopted into God’s family (Ephesians 1:5). Adoption mirrors this divine act of grace and love, giving children in need a home, and offering couples the opportunity to fulfill their desire for parenthood in a way that upholds the dignity of life.

There are millions of children around the world who are in need of loving homes. Rather than creating new life in a laboratory, couples can embrace the call to care for the orphans and vulnerable (James 1:27) by choosing adoption. Adoption is a pro-life solution that not only provides a home for a child in need but also avoids the ethical dilemmas posed by IVF.

A Call to Uphold Life

As Christians, we are called to protect the sanctity of life in all its stages, from conception to natural death. While IVF may offer hope to infertile couples, it presents serious moral and ethical concerns that cannot be overlooked. The recognition of embryos as children by the Alabama Supreme Court should remind us of our responsibility to uphold the dignity and value of every human life, including those created in a laboratory.

Donald Trump’s support for IVF, though well-intentioned, must be weighed against the Christian pro-life ethic that values every embryo as a child of God. Rather than embracing IVF, we should advocate for life-affirming alternatives like adoption, which reflect the Gospel’s message of love, grace, and redemption.

In a world that often treats life as a means to an end, let us stand firm in our commitment to protect the most vulnerable and offer solutions that honor the sanctity of life and the beauty of God’s creation. Adoption, not IVF, provides a path forward that is both morally sound and deeply compassionate, offering hope to children in need and couples longing for the gift of parenthood.