Southern Baptists formally oppose IVF

The Southern Baptist Convention, the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, came out against in vitro fertilization at its annual meeting Wednesday.

The Southern Baptist Convention, the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, came out against in vitro fertilization at its annual meeting Wednesday.

Delegates in Indianapolis voted for the resolution opposing IVF, which also urged the denomination’s members “to advocate for the government to restrain actions inconsistent with the dignity and value of every human being, which necessarily includes frozen embryonic human beings.” 

A particularly acute issue for delegates was the creation of multiple embryos through the IVF process, some or all of which may not ultimately be implanted. IVF often involves creating multiple embryos, because not all embryos may be viable. Some frozen embryos might also be discarded after successful pregnancies if the patients decide not to use them or for other concerns, such as genetic abnormalities.

Jason Thacker, an adviser to the Southern Baptist Resolutions Committee, said at a news conference Wednesday that the resolution “unequivocally” affirmed the Alabama Supreme Court’s position that embryos are considered children, regardless of location.

Some anti-abortion opponents who believe that life begins at conception have argued that such embryos should have the same rights as a person. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/religion/southern-baptists-formally-oppose-ivf-rcna156896

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