IVF Bomber’s Shocking Actions Do Not Reflect the Reality of IVF-Born Individuals

The recent case of Guy Edward Bartkus — the man identified by the FBI as the suspect behind a Florida IVF clinic bombing — has stunned the world. In a disturbing manifesto, he claimed that he bombed the facility because he was conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and never gave “consent to be born.”

This deeply unsettling act and twisted reasoning have raised concerns and sparked debate, especially among people unfamiliar with IVF.

But as shocking as this case is, it must be said clearly: Guy Bartkus’s actions and beliefs do not reflect the reality of IVF-born individuals.

Over 12 million babies have been born worldwide through IVF since the procedure was first successfully used in 1978. These individuals go on to lead normal, healthy lives. They experience the same emotions, challenges, successes, and growth as anyone else. Most are unaware of any difference until told — and even when they are, it rarely causes distress, let alone violence.

What we are seeing here is not a result of IVF but a deep psychological crisis in one individual, twisted into a violent ideology. His anti-natalist views — the belief that birth is unethical — are extremely rare and extreme, and not shared by the overwhelming majority of IVF-born people or even philosophers who discuss such topics. It’s dangerous and unfair to paint an entire scientific process with the brush of one man’s mental instability.

IVF has brought hope to millions of families. Couples struggling with infertility, single parents, cancer survivors, and LGBTQ+ families have all been given the gift of parenthood through this advancement. Abandoning or demonizing IVF based on one tragedy would be like outlawing cars because of a single crash.

Instead of fearmongering, this moment calls for deeper awareness about mental health, ethical science, and empathy. We must condemn the act without condemning the life-giving technology behind it.

Let this be a reminder that while medical breakthroughs can’t prevent all tragedies, they continue to offer countless miracles — and that one person’s darkness should never overshadow the light of millions of joyful beginnings.