Podcast Summary: Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey Episode: Ep 1206 | The Harsh Reality of Being an IVF Baby | Jennifer Lahl
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host: Allie Beth Stuckey
Guest: Jennifer Law, Founder of the Center for Bioethics and Culture
Network: Blaze Podcast Network

Introduction & Background

In this episode of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, Allie hosts Jennifer Law, a prominent figure in bioethics, to delve into the complex and often contentious world of in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo adoption, and the broader implications of assisted reproductive technologies. Jennifer brings a wealth of experience, having transitioned from a pediatric critical care nurse to the founder of the Center for Bioethics and Culture, where she focuses on the ethical dimensions of reproductive medicine.

Jennifer Law (02:04):
"I was a pediatric critical care nurse for many, many years, and I was sort of concerned about where medical ethics was headed."

Ethical Concerns with IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Jennifer articulates her deep-seated concerns regarding the ethical trajectory of modern reproductive technologies. She highlights a shift from a traditional medical profession to a service-oriented model, where patients are increasingly treated as clients with customizable medical services.

Jennifer Law (02:42):
"It's shifted from an actual 'do no harm,' doctor knows best approach to 'I'm just here to provide you, my client, for whatever you want.'"

Health Risks Associated with IVF

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the health risks associated with IVF for both women and the resulting children. Jennifer emphasizes the high failure rates of IVF cycles and the increased likelihood of congenital defects in IVF-conceived children.

Jennifer Law (08:00):
"The CDC data shows that for the last 10-plus years, overwhelmingly, all IVF cycles fail."

She recounts personal anecdotes, including the birth of her grandson with a heart defect, linking it to IVF practices.

Jennifer Law (09:49):
"We know that babies born of assisted reproduction are at higher risk of congenital heart defects at birth."

The Issue of Frozen Embryos and Embryo Adoption

Jennifer raises alarms about the growing number of frozen embryos, now exceeding a million in the U.S., and the ethical dilemmas surrounding their storage and potential adoption. She criticizes embryo adoption as a solution, pointing out inherent medical risks and emotional burdens on surrogate mothers.

Jennifer Law (35:04):
"We have over a million frozen embryos. That is wrong. We're going to stop freezing embryos."

She contrasts embryo adoption with traditional adoption, highlighting the unique psychological challenges faced by children born from frozen embryos.

Jennifer Law (37:12):
"When you embryo adopt into your womb, you're like a surrogate mother. And we know surrogate pregnancies are risky because you're pregnant with a foreign object."

Commercialization and Eugenics in Reproductive Technology

The conversation shifts to the commercialization of reproductive technologies and the subtle undercurrents of eugenic practices. Jennifer expresses concern over the selective nature of IVF, where parents can choose specific traits for their children, echoing dystopian themes reminiscent of Brave New World.

Jennifer Law (21:45):
"It's eugenic. We're not just wanting any girl's eggs; we want the right girl's eggs. We want the right baby, whatever that means."

She warns against the slippery slope of genetic selection, questioning the moral implications of such control over human reproduction.

The Transgender Movement and Reproductive Health

Jennifer addresses the intersection of reproductive technology with the transgender movement, particularly focusing on practices like puberty blockers and hormone treatments that can lead to lifelong infertility. She criticizes the medical industry's role in these procedures, labeling them as harmful and exploitative.

Jennifer Law (47:25):
"You are knowingly damaging healthy fertility with a treatment that is not needed. It's pure evil."

She shares insights from her research and interactions with policymakers, underscoring the urgency of addressing these ethical violations.

Advocacy and Educating Others

Both Allie and Jennifer emphasize the importance of education and advocacy in combating the injustices within the realm of reproductive technology. Jennifer encourages listeners to utilize resources such as films and educational materials provided by her organization to better understand and discuss these issues.

Jennifer Law (57:10):
"Education is our best tool. The more people hear your show, the more they wake up and say, 'I never knew.'"

She advocates for informed conversations within communities and churches to foster a deeper understanding of the ethical implications of IVF and related technologies.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a poignant discussion on the responsibilities of Christians and pro-life advocates to address not only abortion but also the broader ethical concerns surrounding assisted reproductive technologies. Jennifer and Allie reinforce the need for vigilance, education, and moral accountability to protect the sanctity of human life from conception onward.

Allie Beth Stuckey (55:20):
"If we believe that those human beings are made in the image of God from the moment of conception, then it's not just abortion that matters. It's how we create and treat and preserve those babies that matters, too."

Jennifer echoes this sentiment, urging listeners to prioritize existing children in foster care and to approach the issue of frozen embryos with a balanced and ethical perspective.

Jennifer Law (41:31):
"Our priorities should be the children already in orphanages or foster homes, not just the embryos in the freezer."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jennifer Law (02:04):
  "I was a pediatric critical care nurse for many, many years, and I was sort of concerned about where medical ethics was headed."

• Jennifer Law (09:49):
  "We know that babies born of assisted reproduction are at higher risk of congenital heart defects at birth."

• Jennifer Law (35:04):
  "We have over a million frozen embryos. That is wrong. We're going to stop freezing embryos."

• Jennifer Law (47:25):
  "You are knowingly damaging healthy fertility with a treatment that is not needed. It's pure evil."

• Jennifer Law (57:10):
  "Education is our best tool. The more people hear your show, the more they wake up and say, 'I never knew.'"

• Allie Beth Stuckey (55:20):
  "If we believe that those human beings are made in the image of God from the moment of conception, then it's not just abortion that matters. It's how we create and treat and preserve those babies that matters, too."

• Jennifer Law (41:31):
  "Our priorities should be the children already in orphanages or foster homes, not just the embryos in the freezer."

Resources Mentioned

• Center for Bioethics and Culture Network YouTube Channel:
  Jennifer Law recommends accessing educational films and resources to better understand the ethical issues surrounding IVF and reproductive technologies.

• Films by Jennifer Law:
  Engaging films such as Eggsploration and surrogacy-themed documentaries are available for free to educate and inform viewers.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a crucial conversation on the ethical dilemmas posed by modern reproductive technologies. Jennifer Law's insights challenge listeners to critically evaluate the implications of IVF, embryo adoption, and the commodification of human life. Allie Beth Stuckey and Jennifer Law advocate for informed decision-making, ethical stewardship of human life, and a deeper understanding of the profound responsibilities that come with the power to create life.