The Frozen Embryo Debate

Posted by Joanna Karpasea-Jones Apr 15, 2008

I'm a pro-lifer and I'm in favor of IVF. It may surprise you to learn that some pro-lifers don't agree with IVF or frozen embryo's. Why? Because embryo's created in IVF are unborn babies and many are discarded when the parents no longer need to try anymore. Many times the embryo's are used for medical research, which is regarded by many as disrespectful.

I feel that overall, IVF is a good thing as many thousands of people would not exist without it.

When that frozen embryo comes from another couple and is donated to someone else, even more arguments rage. Some people say that those who donated it are the parents, and the recipients would need to legally 'adopt' it after the birth. Others say that the embryo becomes the property of the recipient once it is implanted into her womb. Some say that the donors should be given a period of time after the birth to decide if they want to re-claim the child, like in a traditional adoption where the mother has three months to take her child back if she changes her mind. Who exactly is the parent to the child? The donor who created it, or the woman who gave birth?

I am sure these arguments are insulting to any woman who has spent nine months being pregnant and had a beautiful baby. She is that baby's mother, no matter who produced the DNA. I knew when I gave permission for my eggs to be removed that they were no longer mine. If a person is secretly wanting a baby, she shouldn't be a donor.

I do agree that frozen embryo's should not just be thrown away, and if you're opposed to testing on embryo's, just refuse consent for your eggs to be used in this way.