To Reaffirm Sanctity of Human Life Regarding Practice of In Vitro Fertilization

To Reaffirm Sanctity of Human Life Regarding Practice of In Vitro Fertilization

RESOLUTION 5-11 Overtures 5-19–21 (CW, 347–49)

WHEREAS, Holy Scripture teaches that human life is a sacred gift from God, who is the Creator of all life (Gen. 1:26–39 28; Psalm 139:13–16); and

WHEREAS, Christ sanctified and redeemed all human beings, including human embryos, in His incarnation and conception by the Holy Spirit and of the Virgin Mary, His shed blood upon the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Luke 1:35; Matt. 1:20–23); and

WHEREAS, The tradition of the Christian Church, in accordance with the creation order revealed in Holy Scripture, has consistently upheld the sanctity of human life and the dignity of procreation as an act that belongs within the marital union between a man and a woman (Gen. 1:27–28; Heb. 13:4; Matt. 19:4–6); and

WHEREAS, The practice of in vitro fertilization (IVF) involves the creation of human embryos outside the womb, which can result in the needless destruction or indefinite freezing of embryos, which contradicts the biblical teaching on the sanctity of human life; and

WHEREAS, IVF can commodify human life by treating embryos as objects to be purchased, stored, or discarded, instead of recognizing that life is a gift of God; and

WHEREAS, The desire for procreation of children is good, right, and godly in the context of marriage; and

WHEREAS, The Synod recognizes the pain of childlessness and that some people, desiring to have children, may have used IVF without a full understanding of any potential theological implications; and

WHEREAS, Every child, regardless of how he or she is conceived, is created by God the Father, redeemed by God the Son, and called by God the Holy Spirit to be in an eternal relationship with Him by faith; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod condemn the needless loss of life that can occur through the use of IVF; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage married couples struggling to bear children to seek pastoral care and guidance before pursuing reproductive technologies, and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage pastors and other church workers to serve married couples who have troubled consciences with respect to prior use of IVF and minister to them and to all people such that they may receive the comfort of Christ and His redeeming love; and be it further

Resolved, That all our congregations faithfully and compassionately speak to the God -given value and worth of all human beings; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod urge its members to uphold the biblical understanding of procreation as a sacred act within the marital union; and be it finally

Resolved, That this matter be referred to the Commission on Theology and Church Relations in order to provide theological clarity.

The Chief Financial Officer and LCMS Accounting and Financial Services staff, in consultation with the Finance Committee, anticipate no significant incremental costs as the activity is understood to be within the existing scope and budget of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (estimate required by Bylaw 3.1.7 [g]).