As most of you know, the state of Alabama recently ruled that embryos were children and thus, granted full protection under the law about the wrongful death of a minor. On one hand, I applaud the stand the state took that protects these embryos as unborn children and worthy of being protected. Just for clarification you should know that embryos are fertilized eggs that have already begun to develop. It is not simple sperm or an egg but a life that has already begun to develop into a life.

             On the other hand, I am also torn by this decision. At first, I was unsure where I stood and felt about this. But after some research on the topic and the ethical concerns surrounding it, my position was clearer. A large part of the problem, at least for me, is about the many good Christian couples who desperately want children who are genetically theirs but unable by natural means to accomplish.

             For the Christian we must agree that all life is sacred especially human life that is created by God in His image and likeness, and therefore deserving of our protection. We must also agree that to end the life of any person would be considered murder in the eyes of our God. From my perspective this would include the embryo that has been fertilized and yet to be implanted. That is a person in every sense and worthy of life and no different from the child that would be aborted. It is ending a life.

              The ethical problems are serious. 1) Do we have a right to decide to have children like this when it is impossible otherwise? Is it playing God? Is it being selfish? 2) What happens to leftover embryos that were not implanted? Currently, in the US, estimates range from 1 million to 1.7 million of potential children frozen with only two ends. To be destroyed or to used for medical research that also ends the life of the child. 3) Can the embryos be adopted or donated to another couple? This would seem like a great and life protecting choice that I could support.

             In conclusion, we have a responsibility to stand for the sanctity of life, to be informed about the topics and issues surrounding such decisions, and most importantly to be representatives of Jesus Christ in a cold and dark world with no morality or value for life. Never forget that lives hang in the balance and that includes those sincere Christian couples who desperately want a child of their own to share their lives with. We must stand by our principles but that does not allow us to be something less that Christians. Be loving and kind as you consider these issues.

J. Arnette

CHCOC