To Oppose Practice of In Vitro Fertilization

WHEREAS, God is the Creator of life and the Author of marriage and family, having instituted the procreative union of husband and wife in marriage as the proper context for the generation of children (Gen. 1:28; 2:24); and

WHEREAS, Holy Scripture teaches that children are a gift from the Lord and that He alone opens and closes the womb (Gen. 29:31; Psalm 127:3); and

WHEREAS, The practice of in vitro fertilization (IVF) removes the procreation of children from the one-flesh union of husband and wife and subjects human lifeto technological manipulation, at times with com modification; and

WHEREAS, IVF routinely results in the creation of multiple embryos, many of whom are frozen indefinitely, discarded, or subjected to destructive research, there by violating the sanctity of human life created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27; Psalm 139:13– 16); and

WHEREAS, The Sixth Commandment teaches that the gift of procreation belongs within the marital union, and reproductive technologies that bypass this union undermine God’s design for marriage and family (Ex. 20:14; Heb.13:4); and

WHEREAS, The Synod, in its official doctrinal statements,affirms the sanctity of all human life from conception and opposes all practices that devalue or destroy that life; and

WHEREAS, Compassion must be shown to couples struggling with infertility, offering them pastoral care, prayer, and ethical alternatives that uphold the dignity of life and the order of creation;

therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod affirm that all children, regardless of the circumstances of their conception, are gifts of God and bearers of His image, fully deserving of love, care, and dignity; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod oppose the practice of IVF on biblical and theological grounds, especially insofar as it leads to the destruction,freezing,or instrument aliz ation of human embryos; and be it further

Resolved, That pastors and congregations be encouraged to teach and counsel the faithful concerning God’s design for marriage and procreation, including the moral and theological problems surrounding IVF; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod promote and support pastoral care, ethical medical consultation, and adoption as loving alternatives for couples suffering infertility, in accordance with our confession of faith and biblical witness.