Throughout the whole process, the Lewises told those they knew that Kim was pregnant with adopted embryos. Some of their friends understood immediately, while others required more explanation. But everyone was supportive.

Sam and Katie were born on March 14, 2005.

"People who know us say, 'Oh, they look just like you," Adam said, laughing. "... This is something we've been open about the whole time, and we plan on being open about it with Katie and Sam -- the fact that they were adopted embryos."

Sam and Katie are too young to understand the current debate over federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, which many scientists believe can lead to cures for various diseases. Their parents, though, are passionately opposed to it. They do favor stem cell research that uses non-embryonic sources (such as umbilical cord blood, placentas, fat and bone marrow -- a process known as adult stem cell research).

"[T]his whole process has just reinforced in my mind that these embryos are a person we're talking about," Kim said. "It's not a cell or a piece of tissue. It's a person. If those seven embryos had been destroyed or donated to research, then Katie and Sam would not be here. How can anyone look at our babies and say that they shouldn't exist?"

So far, there have been no cures derived from embryonic stem cells, although adult stem cell research -- which uses non-embryonic sources -- has produced treatments for at least 67 ailments, according to Do No Harm, a coalition promoting research ethics.

"Regardless of whether or not there can or cannot be success with embryonic stem cells -- that's not the issue. The issue is, are these embryos life?" Kim said. "If the answer is yes, then there's no debate. The destruction of life does not justify it -- whatever the result."

The Lewises have five frozen embryos left. If they choose not to use them, they want to donate them to another couple.

They don't know who donated their embryos -- it was a closed adoption -- but they do know that the family also had boy-girl twins with the same batch.

Embryo adoption, Adam said, was an answer to prayer.

"From the first time we heard about embryo adoption, we have felt like God has been in it and He's blessed us," he said. "... It's just been a blessing that I can't even really describe. We've gone from some of the most disheartening times in our lives to the happiest times in our lives through embryo adoption."

Said Kim, "I'm really thankful for the time that we waited, as hard as it was, because it gives me so much more of an appreciation. When they're up crying at night and when I'm worn out, I'm still thankful that I have them."

© 2006 Baptist Press. All rights reserved. Used with permission.