In general, IVF is considered halal (permissible) in Islam under specific conditions. The consensus among many Islamic scholars is that IVF is acceptable when performed within the bounds of a marriage, using only the husband's sperm and the wife's eggs. This ensures the preservation of lineage and adheres to Islamic principles of marital fidelity.
Conditions for Halal IVF:
- Married Couple: The procedure must be undertaken by a legally married Muslim couple.
- Husband's Sperm and Wife's Eggs: Only the gametes (sperm and egg) from the married couple are used. The use of donor gametes or surrogates is generally considered haram (forbidden) by many Islamic scholars.
- No Third-Party Involvement: The process should strictly avoid the involvement of any third parties beyond the medical professionals facilitating the procedure.
Situations Where IVF Might Be Considered Haram:
- Use of Donor Gametes: The use of sperm or eggs from donors outside the marriage is a point of contention and is generally viewed as haram. This is largely due to concerns about lineage and potential complications with inheritance laws.
- Surrogacy: Utilizing a surrogate mother to carry the pregnancy is also often deemed haram due to concerns about parentage and the legitimacy of the child's lineage.
- Embryo Selection/Discarding: While not universally condemned, practices involving selective embryo implantation or discarding embryos raise ethical concerns within the context of Islamic beliefs regarding the sanctity of life.
Several Islamic scholars and organizations provide detailed guidelines on the permissibility of IVF, emphasizing the importance of adhering to strict conditions to maintain its halal status. Consultations with knowledgeable Islamic scholars are advised for personal guidance in such matters.
References clearly indicate a consensus that IVF is permissible when limited to a married couple using only their own gametes. Any deviation from these parameters generally renders the procedure haram according to many interpretations of Islamic law.
