Ethical Matters: A Question of Ethics in Assisted Reproduction

There are many ethical issues arising from the rapidly advancing and complex world of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). These scientific developments that enable childless couples to have children are undoubtedly remarkable achievements. However, do the ends justify the means? If the goal is noble, how do we determine whether the methods used are morally acceptable?

Surrogacy, artificial insemination, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are just a few of the methods available today to help childless couples become parents.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF involves removing several ova from the wife and fertilizing them with the husband's sperm in a petri dish. The fertilized ova are then implanted into the wife’s womb, with the intent of achieving a normal pregnancy. This method allows couples who cannot conceive naturally to have children who are genetically related to them. IVF may also involve donor sperm or eggs, in which case the resulting child would not be genetically related to both the husband and wife.

Artificial Insemination & IUI

Artificial insemination is a common, simple procedure where the wife of an infertile man is inseminated with donor sperm. In such cases, the child is genetically related only to the wife.
When the husband has viable sperm but natural conception hasn't occurred, his sperm can be used in a procedure called Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).

Surrogacy

Surrogacy is used when the wife is fertile but cannot carry a pregnancy to term.

• If the wife’s ovum is fertilized with the husband's sperm in vitro, the resulting embryo is implanted in the womb of a surrogate. The child is then genetically related to both husband and wife.

• If the wife is infertile, the surrogate is inseminated with the husband's sperm, and the child is genetically related only to the husband.

Family Mantra’s View

Assisted reproductive technologies have helped thousands of infertile married couples have children who otherwise may not have had the chance. These technologies can be seen as gifts from God. However, like any invention, ART can be used for good or for harm. Today, IVF is increasingly being used not only by married couples but also by single women and homosexual partners.

Family Mantra believes that God has given mankind the ability to discover and develop medical technologies. It is evident that God has blessed us with techniques that can overcome many physical limitations. If infertility can be cured or managed, it may be used—provided it falls within moral boundaries.

Ethical Boundaries to Consider

• Sanctity of the Embryo: The embryo is a human being from the moment of conception and must be treated with respect. Life and death are under God’s sovereign authority.

• Marriage as Sacred: A marriage is a heterosexual, monogamous relationship. Children should only be conceived within this sacred union.

• Third-Party Involvement:

  • Surrogacy involves a third party entering an intimate marital relationship, which compromises the exclusivity of marriage.

  • Artificial insemination using the husband’s sperm (as in IUI) is morally acceptable. However, using donor sperm introduces a third party and is therefore ethically problematic.

• IVF and Marital Integrity: IVF does not compromise the marriage covenant when only the husband’s sperm and wife’s eggs are used. However:

  • All fertilized embryos must be implanted, regardless of their condition. Discarding or experimenting on embryos violates their humanity.

  • Foetal reduction—eliminating some embryos during multiple pregnancies—is unethical. Since the number of embryos transferred can be controlled, this practice should be avoided entirely. Physicians must determine a safe number of embryos based on medical standards.

  • Frozen Embryos: IVF often results in excess embryos. Many of these are never implanted and die as a result. Couples must carefully consider the moral responsibility of creating embryos that will never be given a chance to live.

Expert Insight

Dr. Sasikala Natarajamani, MBBS, M Med Sci (ART), Scientific Director – Crea Conceptions, highlights additional ethical concerns:

• Requests for donor sperm/eggs without the spouse's knowledge

• Elderly couples seeking IVF without fully understanding the demands of parenting

• Increased societal pressure to conceive

• The stigma often placed on women, even when the issue lies with the man

Conclusion

There is no doubt that ART has brought joy to countless married couples longing for children. However, we must not neglect the ethical debate surrounding these methods.
No matter what path is chosen, we must acknowledge the sovereignty of God and, above all, choose life.