Keywords

sociology of reproduction; Christian perspectives on in vitro fertilization (IVF); infertility; adoption; assisted reproductive technologies; reproductive decision-making

Abstract

This thesis investigates the perspectives of Christian college students on infertility, adoption, and assisted reproductive technologies through focus group discussions. Following the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision, 13 states have established a total abortion ban, and 28 states have established abortion bans based on gestational duration. This study materializes because recently developed state-level abortion laws may impact in vitro fertilization (IVF) access if states expand legal protection of fetal personhood. Previous research has described that while Christian traditions demonstrate cultural pronatalism and opposition to abortion, Christian individuals’ concepts of infertility and views of treatments such as IVF are more often characterized by nuance and flexibility around personal decision-making. Christian individuals’ perspectives and choices on these topics therefore involve complex negotiations between religious teachings and personal desires. This study finds that college students apply their faith perspectives to develop positive constructions of infertility, positive views of adoption as a religious practice, and an optimistic understanding of IVF. This study also provides context for why U.S. Christians view IVF differently than abortion, as participants described reproduction and infertility treatment as individualized choices to make and IVF technology as compatible with their views on religion and science.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Carter, Shannon

College

College of Sciences

Department

Department of Sociology

Thesis Discipline

Sociology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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