IVF is morally equivalent to abortion because both kill embryos based on perceived imperfections
Source: Katie Breckenridge. "Like Abortion, IVF Kills Babies For Having 'Less Desirable' Traits." June 11, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that IVF is just as morally wrong as abortion because both procedures kill human embryos based on whether they seem 'perfect' enough. She claims that IVF routinely destroys embryos that might have genetic conditions or don't look healthy, which is essentially the same as aborting babies with disabilities.
Conclusion
IVF is morally equivalent to abortion because both procedures involve killing human embryos based on their perceived 'less desirable' traits or imperfections
Premises
- IVF procedures routinely discard embryos that don't appear to be developing properly based on visual inspection and grading
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and diagnosis (PGD) screen embryos for genetic conditions like Down syndrome and discard those deemed 'abnormal'
- These screening methods are imperfect and often inaccurate, leading to the destruction of potentially viable and healthy embryos
- Embryos are human persons with the same right to life as born children
- Both abortion and IVF involve sacrificing children to satisfy parental desires rather than protecting them
- The language used by physicians creates false certainty about fetal conditions and influences decisions to terminate life
- Selecting embryos based on genetic 'quality' constitutes eugenic practices that devalue human life based on disability
Assumptions
- Human life begins at fertilization, making embryos full human persons
- All human life has equal moral worth regardless of genetic conditions or disabilities
- Parents have a moral obligation to protect all their children, including embryos
- Eugenic practices are inherently immoral
- The potential for life should be preserved even when outcomes are uncertain