Expert: Rev. Stuart Woodward - 2/27/2008

Question
what are the objections does the baptist church has if any on reproductive technology

Answer
Hello Patrick,
Thank you for your question. Reproductive technology can be very helpful in helping couples have children who otherwise could not. However, there are a number of moral considerations. First is this a married couple or a couple in a life long relationship which is the equivalent of marriage? The provision of reproductive technology to women who are single or have no intention of staying with one partner is not right biblically. The importance of marriage and the responsibilities of parenthood, both father and mother, are root Christian issues.
Secondly, if reproductive technology creates embryos in the knowledge that they will be destroyed, this creates major issues. If a human life begins at conception then essentially a human life is being created and destroyed for matters of convenience. This cannot be right.
Beyond this there are many other issues of debate that cannot be covered in a necessarily brief e-mail answer but the root of them all lies in the question 'what is a human life?' and 'How valuable is a human life?' These other issues include donor sperm (sometimes described as non physical infidelity) and surrogate motherhood (usually for money).
I hope these comments are of some value. In England, where I minister there is a very good organisation called the Christian Institute. Its e-mail address is info@christian.org.uk
I am sure more specific questions directed to them would bring a helpful response.
May God bless you.
Stuart Woodward