I am blessed with two sons, but I have a strong desire to have a daughter. As I am approaching 40, I am concerned about whether my physical health and emotional capacity can handle raising another son. From a Christian perspective, what is the biblical view on pursuing IVF? I feel that IVF is like undergoing gender selection in order to increase the chances of having a daughter.
Joey says
Dear Candy,
There is a spectrum of views on In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) based on Chrisian principles. On one end of the spectrum is the Roman Catholic view. Life begins at conception (when the egg is fertilised). The practice in IVF of fertilising more eggs than necessary to increase the chances of success (implanting a few while freezing or even destroying the others) impinges on the sanctity of life. They also view sexuality and procreation as inseparable: procreation is the result of the love between husband and wife expressed in sexual intimacy. Artificial insemination separates the act of procreation from the act of sexual intimacy. For these reasons, the Roman Catholic Church (and some conservative Protestants) is opposed to IVF.
The National Council of Churches Singapore (NCCS) has a different take. NCCS, which represents most of the Protestant churches in Singapore (including the Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians), sees IVF as part of the “scientific and technological advances … made possible by the providential grace of God”. Hence, their position is that couples with fertility issues can—with a clear conscience—utilise IVF. However, NCCS also holds to the position that life is created at conception, and so no embryos must be destroyed in the process. Freezing fertilised embryos is also problematic because it places human lives in a suspended state.
More relevant to your question is NCCS’ response to the government’s study of pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) for IVF to “screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities so that only healthy embryos are selected for implantation”. The NCCS expressed concern that embryos with chromosomal or genetic abnormalities would be destroyed, since such action would be immoral. It also pointed out that PGT could “result in the commodification of children [by allowing] parents [to] select the child’s genes and/or gender to satisfy their wishes and aspirations”. Both the Roman Catholic and NCCS positions are biblically sound, and I recommend them to your prayerful consideration. (I have included the links to the relevant statements from NCCS below for your reference.)
I empathise with your strong desire for a daughter. However, procreation is ultimately not about what we want, but about God’s will for us. As another pastor wrote, “children are gifts to be received from God rather than an exercise of one’s rights, or a means of self-fulfilment.” I encourage you to be open to what God has for you, to prayerfully commit the decision to have another child to God, and trust that his grace will be more than sufficient for your needs.
“Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing of IVF Embryos”, National Council of Churches Singapore, published 17 November 2016, at https://ethosinstitute.sg/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/NCCS-Statement-on-Pre-Implantation-Genetic-Testing-of-IVF-Embryos-17-November-2016.pdf
“Advanced Maternal Age (AMA) in IVF”, National Council of Churches Singapore, published 17 October 2016, at https://ethosinstitute.sg/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/AMA-IN-IVF-NCCS.pdf
