Jason Thacker of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) contributed to the resolution that was approved at the annual meeting earlier this month. He asserts that contrary to New York Times and Political headlines, it does not condemn in vitro fertilization (IVF) but urges cautious use of it.
"It affirms the dignity of the human embryo," Thacker relays. "That was the main thrust of this resolution -- to say that these are human beings. These are not just mere property."
He explains that the main issue with IVF is that many human embryos are created for each case during the process, and most of them are destroyed once the couple conceives. As that is inconsistent with the pro-life view that life begins at conception, Thacker thinks it is something Christians should consider and discuss.
"It cautioned and encouraged couples, but also pastors and ministry leaders, to consider the ethical realities of this technology," he says of the resolution, which, among other options, recommends couples adopt the unused embryos.
The main intention is to start conversations.
"A lot of what we're doing here is not new, per se, but we do hope that this resolution stirs conversation not only in the local church, but also in families and the wider culture," the ERLC spokesman notes.
He reiterates that the SBC is not deaf to the pain of couples who struggle to conceive.
"What's really clear is that Southern Baptists not only affirm the dignity of the human embryo, but also lament the terribly difficult and searing pain of infertility," Thacker concludes.
