FRC President Tony Perkins' Statement Regarding Executive Order on IVF

, /PRNewswire/ -- Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement reacting to the Trump administration's "Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization" executive order that was issued yesterday:

"Over the last 30 years, infertility rates in America have increased. While the causes are varied, the results are the same - millions of parents longing for the joy of a child."

"The several million babies born as the result of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) are an incredible blessing to their families and to our society. Their lives have incalculable worth and value, as each is made in God's image. While we celebrate the blessing of these children's lives, we must also acknowledge that millions more lives have been lost as the result of human life being made in a laboratory. Countless embryos—human beings with incalculable dignity and worth—did not survive the IVF process, were left to an uncertain fate in the freezer, or were simply discarded. Viewed through both the lens of faith and science alike, each embryo represents an early stage of human development – unique individuals deserving of our respect and protection."

"The creation of a marketplace for human gametes has transformed the gift of life into a transaction, severing the natural connection between parents and children, and creating an opening for human exploitation. Children are gifts from God, not commodities; and in upholding that truth, we also affirm the importance of careful scientific and ethical oversight to protect these lives at their most vulnerable stages."

"Although a handful of states regulate assisted reproductive technologies to varying degrees, and several nations seek to protect children and parents from the most significant harms of IVF, overall oversight and regulation remain limited."

"It is also crucial to remember that IVF does not treat the underlying medical causes of infertility but rather works around them, often at great cost financially and morally. Only about a quarter of families that attempt IVF end up holding a child; therapies that address the underlying causes of infertility in men and women see success rates as high as 60%."

"As the president's team makes policy recommendations, my hope is that the Trump administration continues its proven track record of protecting the most vulnerable among us and respecting the dignity of all people—including the unborn, who are so often treated as disposable."

"The Trump administration can address the infertility crisis in America in a way that is morally and scientifically sound, enabling many more Americans to experience the beautiful gift of children. Family Research Council looks forward to working with the Trump administration and Congress to shape policies based upon the best practices – both nationally and internationally - to address infertility in a way that honors God and the gift of life He has given us," Perkins concluded.

SOURCE Family Research Council