Religious response to ART

Religious Responses to Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) encompasses medical procedures used primarily to address infertility. This includes a variety of techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and egg donation. As these technologies have developed and become more widely used, they have elicited diverse responses from religious communities. These responses are shaped by the ethical, moral, and theological principles that underpin each religion's teachings on life, procreation, and the definition of family.

Buddhism

In Buddhism, there is no single authoritative stance on ART. The Buddhist response is often guided by the principles of compassion, non-harm, and the intention behind the action. Generally, if ART is used to alleviate suffering, such as the suffering caused by infertility, it may be considered acceptable. However, issues such as the disposal of unused embryos can be problematic from the perspective of non-harm.

Christianity

The Christian response to ART varies significantly across different denominations. The Roman Catholic Church opposes all forms of ART that replace the natural act of marital intercourse, particularly those that involve masturbation, egg donation, sperm donation, or surrogacy, as they are seen to dissociate the procreative purpose of marriage from the unitive purpose. In contrast, many Protestant denominations may be more open to ART, provided it is used within the bounds of marriage and does not involve third parties like donors or surrogates.

Hinduism

Hinduism does not have a central governing authority, and thus responses to ART can vary. Generally, Hindu culture places a high value on progeny and family, and ART may be seen as a legitimate means to fulfill these values. The use of ART by married couples is often supported, while ethical concerns may arise with practices like surrogacy and donation, which can complicate traditional views on lineage and inheritance.

Islam

The Islamic response to ART is largely permissive, provided the procedures involve only the married couple without the introduction of third parties. IVF and other ART methods are acceptable in many Islamic contexts if they help to preserve the sanctity of marriage and the lineage of the child. Surrogacy and donation of sperm or eggs from outside the marital relationship are generally prohibited, as they can lead to issues of lineage, which is of paramount importance in Islamic law.

Judaism

In Judaism, the use of ART is generally supported, especially within the Orthodox community, as procreation is a central value. Jewish law (Halacha) permits many forms of ART, provided they are within the context of a Jewish marriage. There is considerable rabbinic support for procedures that assist a couple in having a child that is biologically theirs, although the use of donor gametes (sperm or eggs) can raise complex questions of Jewish identity and lineage.

Conclusion

Religious responses to ART are diverse and complex, reflecting the broad spectrum of beliefs and ethical frameworks across different faiths. While some religions offer clear guidelines and positions, others provide principles that individuals and couples must interpret within the context of their personal and religious lives. As ART technologies continue to evolve, ongoing dialogue within and between religious traditions will be essential to address new ethical challenges and questions.