Killing Embryos to Create Life?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is increasing in Western nations as a tool for a woman to become pregnant when she is naturally unable. According to the Department of Health, “Almost 2.5 million embryos have been deliberately destroyed in the United Kingdom since 1990” (Catholic Herald, November 23, 2016). With IVF, multiple fertilized embryos are used in order to maximize the probability of a successful pregnancy. Once one embryo is viable and healthy, the remaining embryos are often terminated in order to prevent a multiple pregnancy and the potential complications associated with it.

When people view life as not starting until birth or very near birth, “discarding” a fertilized embryo is just business. However, God views all human life as sacred, and He created laws to protect the unborn (Exodus 21:22-25). When we understand that God created children because He seeks “godly offspring” (Malachi 2:15), the lives of the unborn take on much more meaning. Bible prophecies foretold that the moral depravity of Israelite-descended nations at the end of the age would include the willful murder of their children (Jeremiah 2:34; Hosea 9:13). However, Jesus Christ had a very different attitude toward little children (Mark 10:13-14) who are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-28). To learn more about how God views our modern attitudes toward the unborn, view our telecast “Tiny Fingers and Toes!”