Southern Baptist delegates expressed concern on Wednesday about how in vitro fertilization (IVF) is commonly practiced. They approved a resolution that mourns the creation of extra frozen embryos, which often leads to the “destruction of embryonic human life.”
The delegates encouraged members to carefully consider the ethical issues involved in using this technology. They also expressed sympathy for couples who struggle with infertility and the emotional pain it brings.
The resolution was passed towards the end of the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting. It asserts that embryos are human beings right from the moment of fertilization, whether they develop in the womb or are created in a laboratory through IVF.
Messengers raise their ballots (Via Sam Broad/Shutterstock)
This stance aligns with a ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court, which recognized frozen embryos as having the same rights as people.
Following this legal decision, Alabama enacted a law to protect IVF providers from legal action. This move illustrates that even in a state where there is strong opposition to abortion, there is support for IVF, which many couples rely on when dealing with infertility.
Additionally, the resolution encouraged couples to consider adopting extra frozen embryos that would otherwise be destroyed.
