Developments in medical technology have led to a number of interventions
designed to assist human procreation. Procedures such as artificial insemination,
in vitro fertilization, surrogacy, embryo transfer, and cloning increasingly
provide new options in human reproduction. Such interventions raise serious
ethical questions for Christians seeking God's will on these issues.
The hope of having children is
generally powerful. When this hope is frustrated by problems of infertility,
the disappointment of childlessness weighs heavily on many couples. Their sorrow
deserves understanding and compassion. It is not surprising that many who suffer
sadness because of infertility turn to new reproductive technologies to restore
hope. However, with the power of such technologies comes the responsibility to
decide whether and when they should be used.
Because of their conviction that
God is concerned with all dimensions of human life, Seventh-day Adventists
are committed to discovering and following God's principles for human reproduction.
The power of procreation is God's gift, and should be used to glorify God and
bless humanity. Through a careful study of the Bible and the ministry of the
Holy Spirit, the community of faith can identify fundamental principles that
guide in decision making regarding assisted reproduction. Among the most important
of these are:
1. Human reproduction is part
of God's plan (Gen 1:28), and children are a blessing from the Lord (Ps
127:3; 113:9). Medical technologies that aid infertile couples, when practiced
in harmony with biblical principles, may be accepted in good conscience.
2. Childlessness should bear
no social or moral stigma, and no one should be pressured to have children
with or without medical assistance (1 Cor 7:4, 7; Rom 14:4; Matt 19:10-12;
24:19; 1 Tim 5:8). Decisions to use or not use reproductive technologies
are a deeply personal matter to be settled mutually by a wife and husband,
without coercion. There are many acceptable reasons, including health and
the special demands of some forms of Christian service (1 Cor 7:32,
33), that may lead people to refrain from or limit procreation.
3. God's ideal is for children
to have the benefits of a stable family with active participation of both
mother and father (Prov 22:6; Ps 128:1-3; Eph 6:4; Deut 6:4-7; 1 Tim
5:8). For this reason, Christians may seek medically assisted reproduction
only within the bounds of the fidelity and permanence of marriage. The
use of third parties, such as sperm donors, ovum donors, and surrogates,
introduces a number of medical and moral problems that are best avoided.
Moreover, family and genetic identity are significant to individual well-being.
Decisions regarding assisted reproduction must take into consideration
the impact on family heritage.
4. Human life should be treated
with respect at all stages of development (Jer 1:5; Ps 139:13-16). Assisted
reproduction calls for sensitivity to the value of human life. Procedures such
as in vitro fertilization require prior decisions about the number of ova to
be fertilized and the moral issues regarding the disposition of any remaining
preembryos.
5. Decisions regarding procreation
should be based on complete and accurate information (Prov 12:22; Eph 4:15, 25).
Couples considering assisted reproduction should seek such information. Health
care professionals should disclose fully the nature of the procedures, emotional
and physical risks, costs, and documented successes and limited probabilities.
6. The principles of Christian
stewardship are relevant to decisions concerning assisted reproduction
(Luke 14:28; Prov 3:9). Some forms of technology are very costly. Couples seeking
reproductive assistance should give responsible consideration to the expenses
involved.
As Christians seek to apply these
principles, they can be confident that the Holy Spirit will assist them
in their decisions (John 16:13). The community of faith should seek to
understand their aspirations and the issues that childless couples face (Eph
4:11-16). Among the alternatives that infertile couples may consider is adoption.
As couples make careful decisions they should be able to rely on the compassionate
understanding of the church family.
This
recommendation was voted by the Christian View of Human Life Committee
at Pine Springs Ranch, California, April 10-12, 1994.
This
document was voted by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Administrative Committee (ADCOM), Silver Spring, Maryland, July 26, 1994.
Copyright © Biblical Research Institute General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®