Misconceiving IVF: An Essential Guide to the Perils of In Vitro Fertilization
Book Description
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is often hailed as a triumph of modern medicine, a compassionate solution for couples longing for a child. But beneath its promise lies a host of profound moral, theological, and ethical concerns that many Christians have never carefully considered.
Misconceiving IVF: An Essential Guide to the Perils of In Vitro Fertilization is a compassionate yet uncompromising exploration of IVF through a distinctly biblical lens. Written for couples at every stage of the infertility journey, those struggling to conceive, those considering IVF, and those who have already undergone it, this book seeks to bring clarity where confusion often reigns.
Drawing from Scripture, ethical reasoning, and pastoral experience, this book aims not to condemn but to shepherd, helping Christians think faithfully, act wisely, and find hope in the God who opens and closes the womb.
Whether you are wrestling with infertility, counseling those who are, or seeking to understand the moral landscape of reproductive technologies, this book offers the biblical clarity and compassionate truth our age so desperately needs.
This book helps readers:
- Understand God’s purposes and promises in the midst of infertility
- Think carefully about the moral implications of in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Evaluate questions of moral complicity in assisted reproductive technologies
- Address the difficult question of remaining embryos with biblical conviction
- Explore adoption and other life-honoring alternatives
- Equip pastors and churches to care wisely for couples facing infertility
Author
Josh Holler is the lead pastor of the First Baptist Church in St. John, Missouri. He is a Marine Corps veteran, husband, father of five, and the award winning author of Redeeming Warriors: Veteran Suicide, Grieving, and the Fight for Faith (Christian Focus Publications, 2020). Josh earned a BA from Wheaton College, an MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary and ThM and PhD from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Endorsements
"Misconceiving IVF is a necessary call for the church to confront ethical questions it has too often avoided. Written with sensitivity to the pain of infertility, this book urges Christians to slow down and thoughtfully examine the ethical and moral realities of IVF. As reproductive technologies advance and expand, Christians can no longer afford to ignore the ethical implications of IVF and the fertility industry as a whole."
--Kallie Fell, MS, BSN, RN, Executive Director, The Center for Bioethics and Culture Network (CBC); Program Director, Paul Ramsey Institute; Host, Venus Rising
"In this carefully researched and very accessible volume, Dr. Josh Holler writes with biblical conviction, pastoral sensitivity, and ethical clarity about in vitro fertilization. He describes his own journey of discovery as his eyes were opened to the dilemmas involved in supporting IVF and being pro-life. Anyone considering IVF should read this book. Pastors and counselors should read this book. Family and friends of infertile couples should read this book. Unborn human lives hang in the balance."
--C. Ben Mitchell, PhD, Professor, Author, Bioethics and Medicine: A Short Companion (B&H Academic, 2025)
"Josh writes with sensitivity and conviction toward those considering, engaged in, or having concluded IVF. This issue is personal and complex for couples who are unable to conceive a child naturally. While technology continues to advance and even expensive processes become more affordable through insurance coverage or government subsidies, the ethical and moral challenges remain. In Misconceiving IVF, Josh urges couples to tap the brakes and consider the implications of frozen embryos. Those frozen embryos need a family, and Josh articulates a path forward for families wanting to adopt children in danger of being discarded. Misconceiving IVF is not a light read. The issues are weighty--and that's why this book is so valuable."
--Todd R. Chipman, PhD, Dean of Graduate Studies, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, MBTS; Teaching Pastor, The Master's Community Church
"Josh Holler not only provides an ethical evaluation of IVF, but he also writes with pastoral attentiveness to those who might be considering IVF or who have already used it, helping them to navigate their situation and the decisions they may face."
--Peter Bringe, Pastor, Covenant Family Church
"Holler's book is a valuable resource for our time, shining a light upon the dark underbelly of a boundary-crossing practice while also offering wisdom and guidance to infertile couples seeking to honor God in the midst of their tragic plight."
--Josh Wilson, Pastor, FBC Park Hills
"This isn't just a book for Christian couples considering IVF--it's necessary reading for every pastor in America right now. And whether you agree with Dr. Holler's conclusions or not (and I do), you will be challenged, edified, and blessed by the wisdom and careful reasoning contained within."
--William Wolfe, Executive Director, Center for Baptist Leadership
Additional Information
Cover: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 204
Publisher: Founders Press
Publication Date: 2026