The Coffee Hour — Medical and Theological Perspectives on IVF

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How can we view the medical and theological questions of IVF through the lens of Scripture? Dr. Donna Harrison (Director of Research, American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs) and the Rev. Dr. Scott Stiegemeyer (Associate Professor of Theology and Bioethics, Concordia University Irvine) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what in vitro fertilization (IVF) is and how it works, whether there are medical risks, how we define humanity according to Scripture, the moral and ethical complications surrounding IVF, alternatives to IVF, and how we can care for our neighbors who wish for children but have not been given that gift. Read the Lutheran Witness articles from both Dr. Harrison and Dr. Stiegemeyer at witness.lcms.org/tag/ivf.

Also mentioned in this episode:

Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge episode on infertility: kfuo.org/2025/10/17/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-316-one-question-interview-infertility/

As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Today’s episode of The Coffee Hour is underwritten in part by Concordia University, Irvine. You can learn more about Concordia University, Irvine at cui.edu.