According to some interpretations, surrogacy can be halal (permissible) in Islam, particularly when it adheres to specific conditions.
The question of whether surrogacy is halal is complex and depends on different interpretations of Islamic law. This answer aims to provide a clear and concise overview based on the provided reference.
Understanding the Islamic Perspective on Surrogacy
The primary concern in Islam regarding assisted reproductive technologies, including surrogacy, revolves around lineage and avoiding the mixing of bloodlines.
Conditions Under Which Surrogacy May Be Considered Halal
Based on some interpretations, surrogacy is considered halal if:
- The egg and sperm come from the married couple: This ensures that the child's lineage is clearly traceable to the parents within the marriage. According to the reference, since "the finished embryo is transferred to the uterus to grow and give birth" and "no stage of the procedure involves sexual intercourse with another partner...it does not violate the laws of the Qur'an."
- No third-party genetic material is involved: The surrogate mother only carries the child but does not contribute any genetic material.
Why Some Interpretations Consider Surrogacy Permissible
The permissibility stems from the fact that in certain forms of surrogacy:
- The child is biologically related to the intended parents.
- The process does not involve zina (unlawful sexual relations).
- The procedure avoids mixing of lineages because the surrogate mother is only carrying the child, she is not genetically related to the child.
- The reference supports this by stating, "With this in mind, we see surrogacy in Islam as legal, and babies are halal."
Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Principle | Avoiding the mixing of lineages and ensuring clarity of parentage. |
| Conditions | The egg and sperm must be from the married couple. The surrogate mother only carries the child. No third-party genetic material is involved. |
| Permissibility | When these conditions are met, some interpretations consider surrogacy permissible, as the child's lineage is traceable to the parents and the process does not involve unlawful sexual relations, making the "babies...halal." |
