In Vitro Fertilization?

What is the relevant biblical wisdom regarding the complex ethical decisions surrounding in vitro fertilization? Is it an open handed issue or is IVF to always be avoided by Christians?

Pastor Mark Driscoll answers this question as part of a live "Ask Anything" session in which audience members SMS questions to the pulpit to be answered in real time.

This question was answered in the broader context of a sermon entitled "Is Birth Control a Sin?" which can be found at http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/religionsaves/birth-control

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• ask
• anything
• in
• vitro
• fertilization
• IVF
• birth
• control
• religion
• saves
• mars
• hill
• mark
• driscoll

[Lucyisfive]

You need to go back to school. Catholics are just as likely to be infertile as anyone else. Infertility is an involuntary disease that is NOT caused by contraceptive use!

Reproduction is a bodily function like any other, and if it isn't working it is no different than if any other body part isn't working.

Unless you are against ALL medical treatments in favor of being "open to the holy spirit" to cure/heal every other medical problem you are just a hypocrite.

[Lucyisfive]

You can undergo IVF without discarding a single living viable embryo. So, NO, IVF is not about "murdering" embryos.

While you might be a nurse, you clearly are not very educated on the medical facts involved in IVF. IVF doesn't cause depression, the stress of a significant illness such as infertiltiy is what causes depression.

And studies have shown there is not an overall increase in cancer due to IVF (check your facts, instead of using assumptions and anecdotal stories as evidance).

[jamcow3]

@tubian323 he is taking into consideration the demographics of his audience.

[setiwoh]

@Lucyisfive certain contraceptives such as Inter Unterine Devices are known to sometimes cause infertalization. Many other forms of contraception have been disputed in this.

[ConsideringMatt]

@xSnakeEyezz Not all Christians fast, but When Christians choose to fast it opens the doors to God to reveal things to you or speak to you in a way that you maybe were not ready for previously. Fasting doesnt always have to be food either. When I fast I look for something that I feel I spend more time on than I spend with God. (movies, tv, video games)

[tubian323]

How was any of what was said here "really offensive"?

[Lucyisfive]

@tara37830

Treating infertility, using medical treatment to assist someone in conceiving is NOT "playing God". It is treating a diseased body part like is done with any other medical problem.

[Lucyisfive]

@tara37830

In my opinion, it is a cop-out to suggest it is your doctors fault for not telling you about any or all potential side effect of a medication he recommends you take. It is up to YOU as a patient to take RESPONSIBILITY for your OWN health and to spend the time and effort to learn and find out about what you are being prescribed and what the potential risks and benefits are and make YOUR OWN decision if it is right for you.

[Lucyisfive]

@tara37830

again...if you are against ALL modern medicine and choose to NEVER use ANY medications EVER - even if you are in pain, or dying, etc... that is your choice. That does NOT however, mean that is without question the one true and only God-approved choice. I am in favor of eating healthy, avoiding as many un-natural things as possible, and using modern medicine with careful consideration...but I AM okay with medical treatment if it is needed.

[Lucyisfive]

@tara37830 Seems you have strayed WAY off topic.  Of course being healthy, eating well helps people be and stay healthy....what is your point exactly? That no one should use modern medicine if they have an illness of disease? If you believe that no modern medicine should be used, and rather only prayer should be used to treat any and all health problems, go for it. But some people do choose to use modern "chemicals" to treat health problems and that is a choice they are free to make.

[diehardsweetheart]

@tara37830 My family is non of your business nor does it have any bearing on this conversative so I will refuse to answer it. I have that right. How do I know cloth diapers don't? Becuase there is NO evidence to say that it helps. Potty training lengths depend on the individual child, there are way too many factors involved to know what helps or hinds the process. Of course, I research, it's evident you do not.

[tara37830]

@diehardsweetheart one, there is no need to cuss. two I'm sorry if i am spelling badly or having bad grammar. I was never great with English. Also Its not Hippy ideas, and You still refuse to answer any of my questions, your just pointing out how wrong i am, when i am not. How many kids have you had? and How do you know that Cloth diapers don't help a child train faster? Or its better for a kid to be bottled fed vs breast? Have you ever looked up any thing on thoses?