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Resources

Many resources exist on assisted reproductive technologies, genetics and stem-cell issues. The following represent only a handful:

• Bioethics: A Primer For Christians by Gilbert Meilaender (William B. Eerdmans, 2004).

• Counseling Pregnancy, Politics, and Biomedicine: Empowering Discernment by Patricia Elyse Terrell (Haworth, 2007).

• "Embryonic Stem Cells 2007" by Paul T. Nelson (Journal of Lutheran Ethics).

• For the Love of Children: Genetic Technology and the Future of the Family by Ted Peters (Westminster John Knox, 1996).

• Genetic Testing and Screening: Critical Engagement at the Intersection of Faith and Science, edited by Roger A. Willer (Kirk House, 1998).

• Genetics! Where Do We Stand as Christians? (ELCA, 2001, call 800-638-3522, ext. 2996, or download from the ELCA Web site .

• Navigating Through a Stipulated Freedom by Paul J. Kirbas (Cloverdale Books, 2007).

• Playing God? by Ted Peters (Routledge, 1996).

• The Stem Cell Debate by Ted Peters (Fortress Press, 2007).

• "Watching Our Language: The Human Embryo Stem Cell Controversy" by Hans Tiefel (Journal of Lutheran Ethics).

To have a baby

The path to parenthood can be a roller coaster ride

March 5, 2004, 11:54 p.m.

I’m lying here unable to sleep—too much Thai food and, of course, my mind is racing. They did the embryo transfer this morning. Marcia, the IVF coordinator, said I’m to spend these days on “couch rest” and “think sticky thoughts.” Mom and Dad and Lee are determined that I’m going to take it easy, so what’s left to me are the sticky thoughts and prayer. And we had sticky rice for supper, just for good measure.

This afternoon I lay down for a while and was visualizing implantation, and started thinking of the embryos ... and thinking of names. I’m definitely over the edge with counting on this—on two, even, a boy and a girl. If it turns out that way it’s going to feel almost mystical—if not, I’m going to be crushed.

Two failed attempts at in vitro fertilization were enough for Kristin Schultz of Albuquerque, N.M. Schultz, who laterbecame pregnant with Noah (right) without treatment, said she feels “blessed to be a mom through both adoption (Evan) and childbirth.”

In summer 2003 my husband, Lee, and I entered the world of assisted reproductive technologies. We had tried for years to get pregnant and in 2002 adopted Evan from the Ukraine. Starting to work with a fertility specialist brought us into the new reality of drugs, ultrasounds, shots and an emotional roller coaster.

So in fall 2003, with a toddler at home and working three-fourths time as a pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church, Palatine, Ill., I began the crazy-making and time-consuming process of fertility treatment.

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