Examining the Key Bioethical Issues from a Biblical Perspective
After one year of sexual relations, approximately 15 percent of American couples are unable to conceive a child. This inability can become emotionally trying and leads many couples to seek out medical solutions to overcome their affliction. Every year couples spend millions of dollars on reproductive technologies for the mere chance of conceiving a child. For Christians, medical intervention to overcome infertility may be acceptable, providing we do not violate established biblical principles or our consciences in the process.
In 1978, reproductive technologies provided the first “test tube baby.” Since then the number of reproductive technologies has increased significantly, bringing with it a range of moral concerns. For Christians, medical intervention to overcome infertility may be acceptable, providing we do not violate established biblical principles or our consciences in the process.
In this workshop at The Gospel Coalition's 2013 conference, Megan Best outlines the history of the development of assisted reproduction and explain new trends in IVF use. She then looks at the biblical principles that allow us to interpret the morality of current practices.
While the methods may be new, the use of pregnancy surrogates has been around for almost all of human history. Indeed, it could be argued that surrogacy is one of the first examples of a “reproductive technology.” Yet despite its ancient origin and current topicality, it’s an issue few Christians have thought about from a biblical perspective. What is surrogacy? Is it moral for believers to use surrogates?
Prenatal genetic testing gives parents-to-be information about whether their unborn child has certain genetic disorders. Are such tests a valid option for Christians? What should Christians know before getting such tests?
Megan Best speaks on pregnancy screening and how Christians should approach this practice at The Gospel Coalition's 2014 National Women’s Conference.
If you haven’t heard of embryo adoption, you’re not alone. Even though thousands of children in the United States could immediately benefit from this act of love, many people—Christians included—remain unaware of this adoptive need. Listed below are several resources to introduce you to the issue of embryo adoption.
One in three pregnancies end in miscarriage. However, there are few Christian resources for families grieving miscarriage. Listed below are several resources to help you through one of life’s most emotionally traumatic ordeals.
Many of us have made mistakes and chosen sin in a moment, only to find ourselves in a situation that will transform our entire lives. For many young men and women, this means an unplanned pregnancy. In the video below, Amy Ford, who started a ministry for single and unwed mothers, shares her testimony about God’s work in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy when she was 19.
Curated in partnership with The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth. Mothers with postpartum depression experience feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that may make it difficult for them to complete daily care activities for themselves or for others. In this video, Dr. Mike Emlet discusses how you can help a friend suffering from postpartum depression.
