What Does The Bible Say About In Vitro Fertilization?
Choosing IVF raises heartfelt questions: Is it biblically acceptable? Could God be angered by "helping" conception? What about unused embryos? Though IVF didn't exist in Scripture, the Bible gives principles on God's heart for life, fertility, and wise stewardship. In this guide, we'll explore relevant passages, prayer resources, and a compassionate Christian perspective on IVF.
To explore IVF vs. IUI, check out our latest blog: In Vitro Fertilization in Kansas City.
Understanding IVF and The Bible
IVF is a medical tool that joins egg and sperm outside the body to create embryos for transfer. The Bible doesn't mention IVF, but it emphasizes God's role as Creator, our call to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28), and respect for human life "knit together" by Him (Psalm 139:13–16). We should apply these timeless truths to today's choices with empathy and grace.
What Does The Bible Say About Fertility
The Bible says a few things about fertility. All celebrate the beauty of creating children:
Genesis 1:28 – God blesses people to "be fruitful and multiply."
Psalm 127:3 – "Children are a heritage from the Lord."
Isaiah 49:15 – His compassion exceeds a mother's love.
These verses show that seeking help for fertility aligns with honoring God's gift of life.
Does The Bible Say Anything About IVF?
No, the Bible doesn't say anything about IVF directly. Instead, when reflecting on the question, "What does the Bible say about in vitro fertilization," we rely on overarching principles:
Sanctity of life: Every embryo reflects God's creative work.
Partnership with God: Medical advances can be tools, not replacements, for divine action.
Wise stewardship: We should honor life in all stages, making informed, ethical decisions.
Is IVF Against The Bible?
No, IVF is not against the Bible and is not forbidden. Scripture condemns practices that harm children or distort God's design (e.g., sacrifice of children). IVF, when used responsibly, can be seen as partnering with medicine to fulfill God's blessing of families.
Is IVF a Sin In The Bible?
No, IVF is not a sin in the Bible. Sin involves willful rebellion against God's commands. IVF is a neutral technology. The heart posture, trusting God, respecting life, caring for the vulnerable, determines its righteousness.
Bible Verses About Fertility
Which verses offer hope for those struggling with conception? Several scriptures provide comfort, hope, and reassurance for those longing for children. These passages speak to God's compassion for the childless, His power to bring forth life, and His timing in answering prayers.
Bible Verses For Fertility Problems
When examining questions like "what does the Bible say about in vitro fertilization," we can look to the stories of women who experienced infertility for examples of how God impacted their stories.
Hannah's Prayer (1 Samuel 1:10–20): Hannah poured out her soul to God, who granted her Samuel.
Rachel's Longing (Genesis 30:22): God "remembered" Rachel and opened her womb.
John the Baptist's Parents (Luke 1:13–14): Zechariah and Elizabeth, once "barren," were blessed in old age.
Psalm 113:9: "He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children."
These stories show God's compassion for those who long for a child.
Verses on Trusting God's Timing
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." (Trust God's perfect timetable.)
Habakkuk 2:3 "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie." (God's promises come at the right moment.)
Verses of Encouragement and Strength
Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Bring worries to God.)
Romans 8:28 "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good…" (God works even through waiting.)
These verses form a foundation of hope and trust as you navigate fertility treatments and uncover more evidence to answer "what does the Bible say about in vitro fertilization?"
A Prayer For Fertility
Heavenly Father, you are the Author of life. We pray for those walking the IVF journey. Grant them peace in uncertainty, wisdom in decisions, and the joy of parenthood. May each embryo be treasured and each procedure reflect Your loving care. In Jesus' name, amen.
How To Pray For Fertility
Praying for fertility can feel overwhelming, but focusing on these steps brings clarity and faith.
Frame your requests
To pray for fertility, use the ACTS model:
Adoration ("You are the Giver of life")
Confession (release guilt or fear)
Thanksgiving ("Thank You for listening")
Supplication ("Please bless our fertility journey")
Pray for specific needs.
Name each concern aloud: egg quality, embryo health, successful implantation. Ask for wisdom for your medical team, peace for your spouse, and strength for your own heart.
Surrender in faith
Declare trust in God's timing: "Lord, I don't know Your plan, but I trust You." Acknowledge His sovereignty over every season of life.
Journal your journey
Record prayer requests, verses, and answered prayers in our prayer journal to see God's faithfulness unfold.
What Saint To Pray To For Fertility
If you're Catholic, you might want to petition a saint to intercede on your behalf. We suggest praying to Saint Gerard Majella, who is the Patron Saint of Expectant Mothers and Infertile Couples. Ask for his intercession:
"St. Gerard, you obtained through God's grace the favor of healthy births, pray for us who invoke your help."
Other saints to consider, in no particular order, are:
St. Colette of Corbie. She's the Patron Saint of Those Trying to Conceive, Stillborn Babies, and Pregnancy.
St. Gianna Beretta Molla. She's the Patron Saint of Infertility.
St. Anthony Padua. He's the Patron Saint of Miracles, Pregnancy, and Barren Women
St. Raymond Nonnatus. He's the Patron Saint of Childbirth, Midwives, Children, and Pregnant Women.
St. Anne. She's the Patron Saint of Women in Labor, Infertile Women, Mothers, and Educators. St. Anne is also considered Jesus' maternal grandmother.
Christian View On In Vitro Fertilization
Many Christians hold that human life begins at conception, so IVF calls for extra care and compassion. From what we've found while answering "what does the Bible say about in vitro fertilization," it often looks like:
Limiting embryo creation to only what you intend to transfer or freeze after egg retrieval.
Considering donation of any healthy embryos you won't use, giving other couples a chance at parenthood.
Avoiding destructive research on embryos to honor their intrinsic value.
Praying for wisdom at every turn, trusting God even when medical advances feel daunting.
By combining medical expertise with these ethical safeguards, you can pursue IVF in a way that respects the sanctity of each fertilized egg and reflects Christ's heart for life.
Fertility Prayer Christian
A Christian fertility prayer would be:
"Lord, guide each step of this fertility journey. May every test, every transfer, and every waiting moment bring us closer to Your will and fill our hearts with steady hope. Amen."
Prayer For Fertility, Catholic
A more Catholic-leaning prayer for fertility could be:
"Blessed Virgin Mary, you who conceived by the Holy Spirit, pray for us now that we may conceive according to God's plan. May our trust in Him never waver. Amen."
Stand on Truth
By anchoring today's reproductive technologies in Scripture's timeless truths, God's heart for life, compassion for the childless, and call to wise stewardship, we can come to a conclusion to the question, "What does the Bible say about in vitro fertilization?" Christian couples can approach IVF with both faith and confidence.
Celebrate A Successful IVF Pregnancy
Treasure every milestone from retrieval to holding your baby.
How to Support a Friend Through IVF
Walking alongside someone in their IVF journey means offering practical help, a listening ear, and heartfelt prayer. Consider:
Bringing meals or grocery runs on procedure days
Sending encouragement via calls, texts, or a thoughtful care package
Praying Scripture over their specific needs each week
For curated gift ideas and tender gestures, see What to Get Your Friend Going Through IVF.
Are IVF Babies More Special?
Some couples wonder if children conceived through IVF hold a unique place in God's plan. While every child is a gift, IVF journeys can feel especially precious after seasons of waiting. Our reflection on Are IVF Babies More Special explores how gratitude, faith, and story shape the way we celebrate these "miracle" babies.