The permissibility of a "test tube baby" (in vitro fertilization or IVF) in Islam depends on specific circumstances. Generally, IVF is considered permissible if, and only if, the egg and sperm both originate from the married couple.
Islamic Perspectives on IVF
Multiple Islamic sources confirm that using IVF is acceptable under specific conditions. These conditions are crucial to understanding the Islamic perspective:
- Marital Status: The procedure must be undertaken by a married couple. Extramarital IVF is strictly forbidden.
- Source of Gametes: Both the egg and sperm must come from the husband and wife involved. Using donor eggs or sperm from a third party renders the procedure haram (forbidden).
Several reputable Islamic sources reinforce this view:
- IslamQA: explicitly states that using sperm or eggs from someone other than the married couple is haram. https://islamqa.org/hanafi/askimam/29462/can-you-please-give-me-fatwa-on-test-tube-babies/
- Turkey Clinic: confirms that IVF is generally acceptable in Islam, provided both the egg and sperm are from the married couple. https://www.turkeyclinic.co.uk/is-ivf-halal-in-islam/
- About Islam: also highlights that IVF is permissible when the sperm comes from the husband and the egg from the wife. https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-the-scholar/health-science/is-having-test-tube-babies-halal-or-haram/
Conversely, using donor gametes (sperm or eggs) is considered haram by many Islamic scholars. This is because it involves a third party, potentially jeopardizing lineage and violating Islamic principles.
Conclusion
The permissibility of IVF within Islam is conditional. While IVF itself is not inherently haram, adherence to the strict conditions of marital status and the origin of gametes is essential. Any deviation from these guidelines renders the procedure haram.
