A man who authorities believe tried to blow up an IVF clinic in California was a pro-mortalist who was against bringing people into the world.
The FBI has identified Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, as the primary suspect in the Palm Springs vehicle explosion Saturday.
It is understood he died in the explosion, which left four other people injured.
Highlights
- Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, reportedly died in a vehicle explosion targeting a California IVF clinic, aiming to stop people being born without consent.
- Bartkus identified as a pro-mortalist, believing life causes more harm than good, and being dead is preferable.
- The incident is being treated as terrorism by the FBI, who say Bartkus expressed nihilistic ideations.
- No clinic staff were injured, and all embryos and reproductive materials remained safe and undamaged.
Guy Edward Bartkus believed that no one should be born, as there is no way to consent to it
Image credits: David McNew/Getty Images
Sources familiar with the investigation told KCAL News that Bartkus said in writings and recordings that he was against bringing people into the world against their will.
The FBI said Bartkus expressed nihilistic ideations, and they were treating the incident as an act of terrorism.
Pro-mortalists believe that being alive causes more harm than good, and being dead is preferable to suffering through life.
It is closely linked to nihilism, which is the belief that life has no inherent meaning, purpose, or value, and that moral, religious, and social truths are ultimately baseless.
An audio message reportedly recorded by Bartkus has been widely shared online and details the alleged motive for attacking American Reproductive Centers (ARC).
Image credits: FBI
In the 30-minute recording, he says: “I figured I would just make a recording explaining why I’ve decided to bomb an IVF building or clinic.
“Basically, it just comes down to I’m angry that I exist and that, you know, nobody got my consent to bring me here.”
He adds: “There’s no way you can get consent to bring someone here, so don’t f***ing do it.”
Bartkus, who attempted to live-stream the attack, said he was angry that IVF clinics existed and described life as a drug.
“These are people who are having kids after they’ve sat there and thought about it,” Bartkus said. “How much more stupid can it get?”
Image credits: FBI
The recording has not been independently verified.
No staff members at the IVF clinic were injured during the attack, and none of the embryos were destroyed.
“We are immensely grateful to share that no members of the ARC team were harmed, and our lab—including all eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials—remains fully secure and undamaged,” the Palm Springs center said in a statement.
“We are heavily conducting a complete safety inspection and have confirmed that our operations and sensitive medical areas were not impacted by the blast.
“Our mission has always been to help build families, and in times like these, we are reminded of just how fragile and precious life is. In the face of this tragedy, we remain committed to creating hope—because we believe that healing begins with community, compassion, and care.”
The FBI is treating the attack as an intentional act of terrorism
The announcement was met with intense relief from worried families who feared their embryos had been destroyed.
“Thank you for letting us know our embryos are safe,” one woman responded.
“My husband and I cried when we heard the news, not just for us but for you guys. This is so heartbreaking and senseless.”
“Thank you for the update. So glad the team is all okay and all the embryos are safe,” another added.
“I almost cried thinking of how many families would have been affected by this devastating event, including my own embryos that are still being ‘babysat’ at the clinic.”
Akil Davis, Assistant Director of the Los Angeles Division of the FBI, said the explosion was significant and there was a wide debris field.
“Make no mistake, this is an intentional act of terrorism,” he said. “The FBI is investigating it as such.”
“[This is] probably one of the largest bombing investigations that we’ve had in Southern California,” Davis added.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said she had been briefed on the explosion.
“We are working to learn more, but let me be clear: the Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America. Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable,” she posted on X.