We pray you’ll find the answers below to the difficult life and family questions from our readers helpful.
Please use the button on the right to submit any questions that you need answered. We do our best to respond to all inquiries within 24-48 hours of submission. We reply directly to the provided email. We then remove all identifying elements and post the answers here to help fellow Christians.
Beginning of Life
Q&A on IVF and Genetic Embryo Testing
QUESTION: I am inquiring about information on IVF and embryo genetic testing. What is the Christian stance on both of these and how can I do IVF treatments and still uphold God’s Truth? ANSWER: Scripture teaches that life exists already at…
Q&A on the Overturn of ‘Roe v. Wade’
Question: What’s next now that Roe v. Wade is overturned? Answer: Roe v. Wade was the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling which legalized abortion across the nation. On June 24, 2022 the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Constitution of…
Q&A on Abstinence/Teaching Teens about Birth Control
QUESTION: I’ve heard that teen pregnancy rates have increased. Is it time to teach our kids about birth control? ANSWER: The teen birth rate has been on a steep decline since the early 1990s. Yet, teaching about birth control is…
Q&A on the Beginning of Life
QUESTION: When does life begin? I know that life begins at the time of conception. I say with the Psalmist, “Truly I was sinful from birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived.” But when does conception take place? Is…
Q&A on the Morning-After Pill
QUESTION: I’ve heard conflicting stories about the morning-after pill possibly causing abortions. Can you please clarify? ANSWER: The morning-after pill, also marketed as Plan B, is similar to typical birth control pills but contains a higher level of synthetic hormones….
Q&A on Birth Control Pills
QUESTION: I have heard that birth control pills do not prevent conception but really cause early abortions? Is this true? ANSWER: The history of the birth control pill has been controversial for several reasons. One point of debate has been…
Q&A on Adoption Options
QUESTION: My 16-year old niece announced recently that she is pregnant. Her boyfriend and parents are unwilling to step in to help. She has come to me for advice. I don’t want to encourage her to abort the baby, but…
Q&A on Pregnancy Options
QUESTION: A friend of mine faced an unwanted pregnancy but didn’t want to abort her baby. She didn’t know all of her options, and I’m not sure she made the right decision. Does CLR help with available options for these…
Q&A on Ectopic Pregnancy
QUESTION: The doctor said I may have a tubal pregnancy. Is that human life? Is it possible to move it to the uterus? Or do they just have to kill off the egg in the tube? ANSWER: An “ectopic pregnancy” is when…
Q&A on Donating Eggs
QUESTION: I’m interested in donating my eggs and I’m wondering if there is any way to ensure that they will not be discarded or used for science in a way that would not be God-pleasing. Do we have a Christian…
Q&A on Abortion to Save a Mother’s Life
QUESTION: Is there ever a medical situation where it is necessary to cause an abortion in order to save the mother’s life? ANSWER: The most obvious, though relatively rare, example is any pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus (ectopic)….
Q&A on Egg Donation
QUESTION: One of my friends is considering using an egg donor, so she and her husband can have a baby. (She has no eggs due to pre-menopause). Do you have suggestions for how I can help them understand more about this…
Q&A on Genetic Testing of Preborn Children
QUESTION: Is genetic testing of preborn children acceptable for Christians? ANSWER: The answer to your question requires some clarification, because there are many variables that come into consideration. Some parents are concerned about a genetic disease that could be passed…
Q&A on Miscarriage
QUESTION: A friend of mine just had a miscarriage. She seems okay on the outside, but I know she is hurting. What can I do to help her? ANSWER: Miscarriage is often overlooked as a painful event. You are very…
Family Topics
Q&A on Teens and Chastity
QUESTION: My two children are approaching their teen years. I want to talk with them about chastity, but I made some mistakes when I was their age. Am I being hypocritical if I tell them to wait until marriage to…
Q&A on Miscarriage and the Childless Couple
QUESTION: Friends of ours have been married for a number of years and continue having miscarriages. Why doesn’t God bless them with children? I’m sure they would be excellent parents, and they are strong and faithful Christians. ANSWER: Let’s handle…
Q&A on Abstinence/Teaching Teens about Birth Control
QUESTION: I’ve heard that teen pregnancy rates have increased. Is it time to teach our kids about birth control? ANSWER: The teen birth rate has been on a steep decline since the early 1990s. Yet, teaching about birth control is…
Q&A on Adoption Options
QUESTION: My 16-year old niece announced recently that she is pregnant. Her boyfriend and parents are unwilling to step in to help. She has come to me for advice. I don’t want to encourage her to abort the baby, but…
Q&A on Pornography and Divorce
QUESTION: I have been married nearly 30 years. Over those years I have caught my husband buying porn magazines. I told him I don’t like it. I pay the bills and this past week I found a charge on our…
Q&A on Sudden Loss and Grief
QUESTION: My little girl was killed by a drunk driver a few months ago. I have continued suffering in the agony of the loss and can’t understand this whole situation. Why did a loving God allow my innocent little girl…
Q&A on Questionable Clothing
QUESTION: Many of my daughter’s friends are wearing outfits that I feel are inappropriate. I am very disappointed that my daughter is now wearing some of the same styles. How can I address this with her so she understands the…
Q&A on Aging Parents and Resistance to Living with Their Children
Q: My husband and I have talked about caring for our parents when they are unable to care for themselves. We have offered that they stay with us in our home rather than move to an assisted living facility, but…
Q&A on Salvation and Heaven
QUESTION: My 93-year-old mother has been strong and healthy her entire life. I am afraid that she has a false confidence about going to heaven. She says that God must be happy with her, because he has given her a…
Medical Concerns
Q&A on Life Support
QUESTION: My father had respiratory arrest. The doctors asked if my siblings and I wanted the doctors to put my dad on life support. My father is a very ill man. He already had cancer and suffers from extreme pain. Is it…
Q&A on Treatment Options and Medical Directives
QUESTION: It’s been years since the death of Terri Schiavo. Shouldn’t we just leave this in the past? ANSWER: Few cases created more emotional response than the Terri Schiavo story. It seemed that everyone placed themselves in Terri’s situation and shared…
Q&A on Post-Abortion Syndrome
QUESTION: Does CLR counsel women who are in despair because they’ve had abortions in the past, or do you just work with women who are considering an abortion? ANSWER: Your question deals with a special issue called Post-Abortion Syndrome (PAS)…
Q&A on Importance of Signing a Medical Directive
QUESTION: Why is it important to have a medical directive statement? ANSWER: We at CLR recommend every adult sign a medical directive statement regardless of his or her current health situation or age. The first benefit of such a statement…
Q&A on Medical Directives
QUESTION: I’m working on my medical directive, and my attorney asked me some questions about my end-of-life wishes. He said that, legally, I have total authority over my health care decisions. He used the term “patient autonomy.” How does that…
Q&A on a Christian’s Concern about the End of Life
QUESTION: What is the God-pleasing attitude I should have as I approach the final days of my life or that of a loved one? ANSWER: You have asked the right question when you ask about attitude. Even though God reveals…
Q&A on Caregiving and Diminished Quality of Life
QUESTION: My dad was recently diagnosed with ALS. We are all pretty devastated. He knows that his quality of life will diminish, and he will become totally reliant on us kids. The other night he asked, “Why is God doing…
Q&A on DNR and Feeding Tube
QUESTION: My husband has had Parkinson’s for 25 years, severe Alzheimer’s, and other issues. He has taken a severe setback with a recent hospitalization. He is presently very weak, minimally mobile, with very low function cognition. He is now in…
Q&A on Suffering
QUESTION: My mother has multiple sclerosis and has been given only a few years to live. Our family is concerned about Mom spending the last few years of her life suffering. What can we do? ANSWER: The fear of…
Q&A on Spiritual Concerns of Loved One With Alzheimer’s Disease
QUESTION: My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a number of years ago and is now inactive. He always said he was ready to die and go to heaven, but I wonder if I am prolonging his life and keeping…
Q&A on Cutting
QUESTION: A number of students at my high school are “cutters.” Why do they do that? ANSWER: “Cutting” has become a popular behavior among some of today’s youth, but few adults know much about it or understand it. “Cutting” is…
Q&A on Non-Controversial Stem Cell Research That Does Not Harm Embryos
QUESTION: I’ve heard a lot of news stories about embryonic stem cells and how we don’t need them anymore. Is that really true? How should Christians respond to this news? ANSWER: You are right that many stories have been published…
Q&A on Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) Cloning
QUESTION: I’ve heard people say they are opposed to human cloning, but they support somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). What is the difference? ANSWER: In simple terms, there is no difference. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is the process used…
Q&A on Potential Success of Research Involving Adult Stem Cells and Embryonic Stem Cells
QUESTION: I know there have been recent successes with adult stem cell research but why do you say we should eliminate all embryonic stem cell research just because it hasn’t been as effective? I’m reading articles that say embryonic stem…
Q&A on Human Cloning and Embryonic Stem Cell Research
QUESTION: I’m opposed to human cloning, but I feel that embryonic stem cell research has great potential. Why are so many states trying to legalize both? ANSWER: There is a great deal of confusion on these points. Here are some…
Q&A on Frozen Embryo Storage
QUESTION: I’ve heard people say there are hundreds of thousands of embryos currently being kept in frozen storage in the United States. I can’t imagine such a large number. What will be done with all those little ones? ANSWER: Most…
Q&A on Tube Feeding Removal
QUESTION: I’ve heard that Christian Life Resources states a feeding tube should never be removed. Why is that? ANSWER: Christian Life Resources does not state that feeding tubes should never be removed. We do state that it is critical that…
Q&A on Aging Parents and Resistance to Living with Their Children
Q: My husband and I have talked about caring for our parents when they are unable to care for themselves. We have offered that they stay with us in our home rather than move to an assisted living facility, but…
Q&A on Medical Technology
QUESTION: If medical technology gives us cures derived from taking lives, should Christians refuse that treatment even if it means possibly a shortening of our own life? ANSWER: Underlying your question is the suggestion that using such medical technology may…
Q&A on Medical Decision-Making
QUESTION: I am nervous about people making medical decisions for me. What are your thoughts? ANSWER: The need for medical directives is greater than many people realize in managing your health and making healthcare decisions. To answer your question, you…
Q&A on ‘Pulling the Plug’
QUESTION: Do you really consider “pulling the plug” to be euthanasia? ANSWER: Deuteronomy 32:39 tells us that God alone has the right to begin or end life. Exodus 20:13 and Genesis 9:5-6 command that we preserve and protect human life….
Q&A on Terminal Sedation
Question: What is terminal sedation? Is it the same as physician-assisted suicide? Answer: Physician-assisted suicide is defined as a physician’s act that is meant to intentionally end the life of a patient. Terminal sedation is practiced when a patient is…
Ethical & Social Issues
Q&A on Teens and Chastity
QUESTION: My two children are approaching their teen years. I want to talk with them about chastity, but I made some mistakes when I was their age. Am I being hypocritical if I tell them to wait until marriage to…
Q&A on Life Support
QUESTION: My father had respiratory arrest. The doctors asked if my siblings and I wanted the doctors to put my dad on life support. My father is a very ill man. He already had cancer and suffers from extreme pain. Is it…
Q&A on Friend Considering Abortion
QUESTION: A friend of mine is unmarried and pregnant. She confided in me that she is considering an abortion. She gave me a long list of reasons why, but I didn’t know how to answer her. Do you have any…
Q&A on Abortion and Its Long-Term Effects
QUESTION: A friend of mine had an abortion a few years ago and never seemed bothered by it. Now she is concerned because she may be getting married but is hesitant to tell her boyfriend about her past. Why is…
Q&A on Abortion, Euthanasia Position Terminology
QUESTION: I’ve heard many different terms describing the positions of those who either oppose or favor abortion and euthanasia (pro-life, pro-choice, anti-abortion, death with dignity, etc.). What is CLR’s position on all of these terms? ANSWER: The position of CLR…
Q&A on Church-Attending Abortion Advocate
QUESTION: I know a WELS member who is actively supportive of abortion rights and am greatly concerned. What should I do? ANSWER: You have reasons to be concerned and should address this issue with an attitude of Christian love and…
Q&A on Support for Women Following Abortion
QUESTION: Do you provide any help or support for women who have had abortions? ANSWER: Proverbs 31:8 tells us, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” so we defend the lives of the pre-born who are targeted by…
Q&A on Abortion on Demand and Child Abuse
QUESTION: What do you say to the person who says that abortion on demand reduces child abuse? ANSWER: In response to pro-choice advocates, we can with Biblical conviction say to those who feel abortion on demand reduces child abuse: How…
Q&A on the Overturn of ‘Roe v. Wade’
Question: What’s next now that Roe v. Wade is overturned? Answer: Roe v. Wade was the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling which legalized abortion across the nation. On June 24, 2022 the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Constitution of…
Q&A on Gay Pride Activism
QUESTION: As Christians, should we be protesting gay pride festivities as either individuals or churches – or both? ANSWER: Everything about Christianity centers on Christ. Specifically, that means witnessing to who he is, what he did, and what it means for us…
Q&A on Witnessing
QUESTION: I have a friend who is a member of a WELS church, but is pretty liberal on the subject of transgender and other subjects. I would like to speak to her but I don’t want to start an argument….
Q&A on Euthanasia
QUESTION: What’s the difference between voluntary euthanasia and non-voluntary euthanasia? ANSWER: Voluntary euthanasia involves a competent and stated desire for someone to have his or her life terminated. Non-voluntary euthanasia pertains to the termination of someone’s life by another without…
Q&A on Suffering
QUESTION: My mother has multiple sclerosis and has been given only a few years to live. Our family is concerned about Mom spending the last few years of her life suffering. What can we do? ANSWER: The fear of…
Q&A on Pro-Life Activism
QUESTION: For years I’ve been rather quietly pro-life, but now I am more concerned about the abuse of human life. What can I do to help make a difference? ANSWER: You are not alone in your feelings. Here are some…
Q&A on Witnessing Your Faith
Professor John F. Brug, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, WI QUESTION: I am recently employed. I’m a Christian and love the Lord dearly but have a hard time proclaiming him at work. As soon as someone mocks God, I do nothing…
Q&A on the Modern Eugenics Movement
QUESTION: I’ve heard about the eugenics movement, but I thought that essentially ended with the atrocities of the Nazi regime. Does the eugenics movement still exist today? ANSWER: The eugenics movement is more comprehensive than most people realize. A review of…
Q&A on Homosexuality
QUESTION: What is God’s view of homosexuality? Hasn’t research shown that homosexuality is a genetic predisposition and that as people cannot choose to be a certain race or gender, so also they cannot choose their sexual predisposition? ANSWER: God’s view…
Q&A on Views Regarding Suicide
QUESTION: It seems that an increasing number of people, especially the young, see nothing wrong with suicide. What can we tell them? ANSWER: Before telling the person you’re talking to anything, try to figure out, or just ask, why this…
Q&A on Assisted Suicide and Quality of Life
QUESTION: Why are you so worked up about assisted suicide? If I don’t want to live when my quality of life is gone, why should you have the right to tell me I don’t have options? ANSWER: Your question indicates…