Sorry this is long...
We have decided to begin the process of IVF as all other infertility treatments have not been successful or based on my condition and reaction to the medications I was not a candidate for certain procedures. I think it is important for me to outline my thought process for those who either are going through infertility, may have to face infertility issues, or have never been in this position. There seems to be a black and white, right or wrong stance on this procedure depending on which article and/or voice one chooses to read or listen to. But we had to decide for ourselves within our faith and our morality where we stood and what IVF meant... So her it goes...
After many days, months of prayer and research my very realistic and practical brain has come to the following conclusions which I feel align perfectly with my very spiritual and faithful heart.
I believe that life begins at conception, but what is conception? I believe that our Lord and Savior have granted many with minds, wisdom, knowledge and expertise which create great doctors that assist us in various medical areas. That being said the overall umbrella debate over IVF and faith (from my research) is the theory of believing that the doctor is somehow playing "god" through the IVF process. However, as I read those with varying view points a couple of items become very clear: 1. Most of the authors writing opinions had a political, religious, and/or medical agenda and 2. The majority of those against IVF had not experienced the actual process of IVF.
So what is IVF as a process and how does it align with my internal and moral belief that life begins at conception? I must admit I wasn't certain I would find an answer and was at peace that we may not choose IVF.
Fundamentally, I think we must ask ourselves the most basic of questions, what is conception? Conception is the meeting of the egg and sperm in a woman's womb. All three aspects must be present in order for life to begin and exist.
How amazing is our God that there is something so incredible, miraculous, invisible that medical science can not recreate, it can assist like any other procedure/surgery/therapy but ultimately it is up to our Lord and Savior and his divine purpose to grant us life and healing.
So my practical brain then said how do we break down the process of IVF and conception. As stated above there are three equal parts (all for one-one for all) of pregnancy/conception: 1. the sperm 2. the egg and 3. the female womb. In order for life you must have all three. The natural way to create life is through the act of sexual intercourse between a man and a woman or the gateway/action to allow for the sperm, egg and womb to all meet. In the IVF process because of our infertility issues we require a different action or an outside act to allow for the sperm, egg and womb to meet. Our act is with the assistance of a specialized doctor. The process of IVF and the assistance of a medical doctor only gets conception and pregnancy 2/3's of the way to life the meeting of the sperm and egg in a lab. Therefore, there is no conception and there is no life because these two entities can not survive without the female and even when met together can not produce a life or a soul. Yes, it is true there is cell growth (or medically the beginning stages of splitting of cells), but this can only go so far before the split cells require a host to latch onto for life to begin requiring all the necessary nutrients for growth and sustainability.
There are plenty of "fear" articles which propagate an agenda about test tube babies or even let's say test tube animals as the reasons "Christians" or "devoutly religious people" should not do IVF. The bottom line is that medical science has never ever been successful with creating life without the aid of a female body either human or animal.
Conception to me and my faith is the moment life can begin the moment an egg and sperm are united in the womb of a mother whether that is through natural means (and for those who can get pregnant naturally and do not know the struggle please keep your judgements at bay) or through a little assistance by doctors. The only way for life to begin is with all three...
So pray for us as we embark on this new journey even if you do not agree. As this decision is not only a soul searching time it will also be an incredibly emotional and physical journey as well. The medications, appointments, and procedures are not easy and require a lot of strength, patience, and courage. Ultimately, we are at peace with our decision and are thankful to our Lord and Savior for opening the doors to an incredible doctor and we are confident that we will be blessed with a beautiful baby (or babies).
