The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S., voted to oppose in vitro fertilization (IVF). This vote may signal a broader conservative push against IVF, which many social conservatives see as the next frontier in the pro-life movement. The vote coincides with Democrats in Washington preparing legislation to protect IVF and Republicans grappling with how to address reproductive health issues post-Roe.
IVF, which often involves discarding fertilized eggs, is increasingly scrutinized by conservatives who equate the destruction of embryos with abortion. The SBC’s resolution, passed by nearly 11,000 attendees, declares that IVF often leads to the destruction of embryonic life and calls for reproductive technologies that affirm the value of every human life. Although nonbinding, this resolution may influence the 13 million Southern Baptists across 45,000 churches.
Historically, Catholics have opposed IVF, but Protestant denominations have largely ignored it, focusing instead on abortion. The SBC’s vote, following an Alabama Supreme Court decision granting full personhood rights to embryos, might prompt other evangelical groups to reconsider their stance on IVF.
Prominent evangelical leaders like Albert Mohler criticize Republican politicians for not taking a consistent pro-life stance on IVF. The issue is divisive among evangelicals, with some advocating for ethical IVF practices and others deeming IVF inherently unethical.
The resolution followed testimony from individuals affected by IVF, highlighting personal and ethical dilemmas. The debate within the SBC reflects broader societal tensions as Republicans and evangelicals navigate the complex intersection of faith, ethics, and reproductive technology.
