When a couple creates embryos for the purpose of implantation, two things could happen: some will be implanted with the hopes of a successful pregnancy, and some would be frozen for a later transfer. For example, if a couple were to pursue IVF, the doctor would recommend the creation of 4-5 embryos, and if there are any remaining after a successful pregnancy, they may be cryopreserved and transferred at a later date. But in many cases, a couple that has frozen embryos will have a change of heart, unsure of what to do with their frozen embryos. This is where embryo adoption comes into play.
How is Embryo Adoption different from IVF?
Scientifically, embryo adoption and IVF share many of the same stages in bringing a child to term, but philosophically, the process of embryo adoption is more akin to traditional adoption than IVF (more on this in part II). For the Christian, these philosophical differences are what can make embryo adoption morally praiseworthy, while simultaneously revealing concern with underlying intentions for those pursuing IVF.
Embryo Adoption cares for life that is already created ex utero, while IVF creates new life ex utero.
The Christian has an obligation to care for the innocent (Proverbs 31:8-9), and this extends to children who have been created but not yet born. Because of this command—which is interwoven with God’s character and moral law—it morally elevates embryo adoption above IVF when observed through Scripture.
Because there are no scriptural commands affiliated with IVF, the process has no moral justification from God: this is not to say that it is morally corrupt, but that it is especially susceptible to violation of God’s commands. The calling of family is commended in Scripture, and encouraged for believers, but is still subject to God’s moral law: Jesus himself even submits biological family unto the family of God and God’s moral instruction (Matthew 12:48-49; Luke 14:26).
Embryo Adoption Begins with What God Desires
Because adoption mirrors our own grafting into the identity of God’s children, this places its origin in God’s moral law. Therefore, when we seek to uphold God’s moral law on earth, we face significant challenges, but because adoption is in line with God’s character, we can rest assured and confident that we are applying wisdom while enduring said trials. When considering embryo adoption, we are enacting God’s second greatest commandment (John 13:34-35), aligning ourselves with God’s fulfillment of His mission on earth.
The process of IVF operates as a solution for infertility and/or family-planning, placing its origin in man’s desire. When a believer weighs any decision that interacts with God’s moral law, we are instructed to employ wisdom, but anything that begins with man’s desire is already morally questionable. For example, how might a couple know if their desires take precedent over their future child? Or even over God Himself? IVF calls into question a number of God’s moral laws, and when applying wisdom while navigating these laws, it presents numerous challenges that displace any possibility of moral good.
How should the Christian consider Embryo Adoption?
As convoluted as embryo adoption may be, it is a noble and worthy pursuit for the Christian. But just like any life hanging endeavor, it requires a diligent reflection of one’s own heart and wellbeing. Considering Micah 6:8, we will look at how the Christian can pursue this praiseworthy decision in line with God’s moral laws:
“Act Justly”
For those that choose embryo adoption over the decision of pursuing IVF, this is an upholding of God’s justice on earth. The Torah originally served as an instruction of how to uphold justice and preserve the character of God in the world, which included the protection of the innocent. Though the embryo was subject to another’s injustice, the pursuit of embryo adoption acts as a form of redemption for the most vulnerable among us, fulfilling God’s moral law.
“Love Mercy”
A couple choosing embryo adoption is submitting themselves to God’s moral law: the sanctity of human life. This is a strengthening of one’s relationship with God, as the individual chooses compassion and kindness as they subject their own desires unto God’s moral character being enacted on earth. A couple that adopts an embryo gives mercy to the life that would otherwise sit frozen for years.
“Walk Humbly”
Embryo adoption requires a constant state of humility, submitting one’s own desire of family for the greater commandment of preserving the life of the innocent. A majority of couples that consider embryo adoption are struggling with infertility, which is a grievous effect of the fall, but to walk with God in humility is to employ wisdom, to “fear God and keep His commands.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) Our idea of justice and righteousness is always at risk with being conformed in ways that are not in accord with God’s definition of justice, so we as Christians must conform to the commands of Scripture, even when they seem contradictory to our own interpretations of justice
As believers, we cannot afford to miss even one of these instructions listed in Micah 6:8; in moral decision-making, all three of these interplay with one another, guiding the Christian in the ways of justice and wisdom.
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