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A Life-Affirming Choice
A Life-Affirming Choice
After much prayer and deliberation, Bethany Christian Services has decided to be involved in “embryo adoptions” as a Christian, pro-life response to the worldwide problem of frozen embryos for whom there is no life-giving plan.
What Can Be Done for the Embryos Already Being Stored?
A process known as embryo adoption offers a life-saving choice. In embryo adoption, a couple with extra embryos agrees to donate those embryos to an infertile couple via a carefully worded contract that is signed by both the donor couple and the recipient couple. The embryos are then implanted in the uterus of the adoptive mother-to-be where it is hoped that a pregnancy will occur.
Bethany’s Role in Embryo Adoption:
Because Bethany sees “embryo adoption” as an adoption at a very early stage, Bethany believes that the welfare of all parties involved, including the children born through
this process, is best assured when the model for traditional adoptions is followed as closely as possible. This model includes counseling and preparation for donors and recipients, a family assessment for the recipient couple, and post-adoption services.
Because of its unique position in the adoption field, Bethany Christian Services in 2005 will begin playing an active role in embryo adoptions. Bethany is already doing family assessments for the two organizations that are currently providing embryo adoptions, as mentioned in this article. In addition, Bethany has recently received (along with the NEDC and other organizations) a federal grant to promote embryo adoption for existing frozen embryos.
Please pray for Bethany’s leaders as they make important decisions about this ministry in the coming months!
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