My name is David Brown, and I serve as the lead pastor at Severna Park Baptist Church. The Southern Baptist (SB) 2024 annual convention resolution on the topic of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is representative of Scripture and majority of Christians. As a Christian, and a pastor, I support this resolution. Unfortunately, there are a few challenges to others offering support or displeasure.

First, many SB, other Christians, and the general public are merely hearing news that SB have opposed IVF without reading the actual text of the resolution. This is unfortunate, and a weakness of getting news from social media. The resolution is compassionate and sympathetic to couples who have, or are considering utilizing IVF due to infertility. Further, the resolution offers wise counsel to consider this important and moral decisions surrounding the one-flesh union, and on generating the image of God in a human life. Therefore, I would encourage everyone to read the full text of the resolution before offering support or displeasure. Source: https://www.sbc.net/resource-library/resolutions/on-the-ethical-realities-of-reproductive-technologies-and-the-dignity-of-the-human-embryo/). Consider also reading: https://erlc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ethical-and-Theological-Considerations-on-IVF.pdf

Secondly, this resolution is aimed at Christians, SB in particular. While SBC resolutions hope to influence culture, the reality is their target is to motivate the church to faith action. Sadly, some Christians are uneducated and ignorant of the ethical issues regarding IVF. The resolution makes clear the teachings of Scripture and the biblical view that life begins at conception, and protecting every life is important. Again, I would encourage Christians to read the resolution and its referenced Scriptures.

The process of IVF can be a blessing, but also a responsibility to families. While it’s a blessing to add a child to one’s family, it’s also a responsibility to care for the other children created but indefinitely frozen. The command to love our neighbor doesn’t stop in the womb, or in a cryogenic freezer. Therefore, while some Christians are opposed to IVF in principle, this resolution reminds Christians to be cautious with its practice. Generating more embryos than to be planted, and thus participating in the dehumanizing or destruction of life, is morally wrong and counter to affirming the sacredness of every life.

The process of IVF can be a blessing, but also a responsibility to families. While it’s a blessing to add a child to one’s family, it’s also a responsibility to care for the other children created but indefinitely frozen. The command to love our neighbor doesn’t stop in the womb, or in a cryogenic freezer.

I/we do not expect non-Christians to adhere to this resolution, though we would certainly hope to provoke their conscience. Our ultimate hope is that families will have various prayerful conversations with doctors, pastors, friends, and others who have made this decision to consider the ethics of an important topic. And, that the public and government would consider reforms to limit and disincentivize the overproduction and destruction of embryos. Further, that policy measures would be made to protect the estimated up to one-million frozen embryos. Each fertilized embryo is a person made in the image of God, and deserves the chance to be implanted and born into this world. We would strongly support embryo adoption with ethical and equitable policies.

In all, we live in a messy and complex world. The advances of technology are surpassing humanity’s ability to consider its impact. As Christians, we are not free to operate solely on pragmatism or preference. Every decision must be informed from the truth of Scripture and a loving faith community. And the longing for belonging and purpose is profoundly innate. Our only hope in a messy world is in the mercy of God. We must see the gospel of Jesus as the sufficient cure spiritually and physically. In Christ, we are forgiven and we are satisfied. On this side of heaven we will experience deep disappointments and dark despair. But we must consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.