An Opinion On Reproductive
Technology
(Written by Kevin. A. Hall 10.13.16)
Reproductive technologies play a major role in the lives of
so many in our culture. When I think of
what the term means I automatically think of options for assisting folks with
having a baby. The term actually refers to “various medical procedures that are
designed to alleviate infertility, the inability of a couple to produce a child
of their own” (Rae, 156). I am in total support of technologies that aid the
reproduction process but the ethics of the process cannot be ignored.
As it stands, options available for parents/parent include
artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization and surrogate motherhood. Compassion
comes to mind when one thinks of the couple or the single adult who so long to
have the joy of a child in their lives. This process can make this possible.
Here’s a quick overview of available options:
- Intrauterine
insemination(IUI) – performed with the use of a man’s sperm being inserted
into the uterus of the woman artificially rather than through natural
sexual intercourse. This process is often inexpensive and gives the couple
a greater chance of conception
- Donor insemination –
performed with the sperm of an outside donor, anonymous or with consent,
also inserted into the woman’s uterus
- Egg donation – women can
get involved by donating multiple eggs retrieved through surgery and given
to an infertile couple
- Gamete intrafallopian
transfer(GIFT) - the woman is given
hormonal treatments that assist her with producing eggs. Eggs are
extracted, the man’s sperm is obtained through masturbation, eggs placed
together with sperm, allowing for a greater chance of fertilization as
eggs are placed back in the fallopian tubes.
- In vitro fertilization
(IVF) – the woman receives hormonal treatments to release eggs, the man’s
sperm also obtained through masturbation but fertilization takes place in
the lab rather than in the woman’s body. Later on the fertilized eggs are
placed back into the uterus.
- Surrogate motherhood –
this process involves the man’s sperm being inserted into a contracting
donor who conceives, carries and give birth to a baby. Another option is
Gestational surrogacy where the womb of a donor is used, not the egg. IVF
is performed with the couple, then embryos are implanted into the
surrogate who carries and gives birth to a child.
- Intracytoplasmic sperm
injection (ISCI) – another available option that is very expensive but
reliable. A single sperm is injected into an egg using technology
resulting in pregnancy.
We do not yet have a child of our own. My wife and I have recently
started the process so I can empathize with anyone trying to have a baby. The
fact that these options are available can provide needed hope and alternatives.
Yet, consideration must be given to which approach violates morality. One never
really considers certain issues until it reaches home. I am a bit tossed on a
few of these, yet very much against others. Christians are people of the Book
(Bible). All decisions must be considered against the Word of God. For those of
is seeking to have a baby, we first turn our attention to prayer as God is the
one that has declared that we should be fruitful and multiply. So the “Bible
has general optimism about medical technology as part of the mandate to
establish dominion over the earth” (Rae, 163). Only that some options are not
morally appropriate.
I am not Catholic and these topics are taboo for most
Christian denominations including mine, so any consideration of reproductive
technologies are usually a private matter between the couple. I can’t say that
this is something I would discuss with my Pastor. Therefore, my worldview on
the matter is what will take precedent. The Catholic position employs use of
the stating that ‘sex is reserved for marriage and tradition makes little room
for any reproductive technology that interferes with the natural process of
procreation” (Rae, 163). The Catholic
position states that procreation should only occur in the context of marriage,
therefore surrogacy is morally acceptable. I agree with this position. This
position can be embraced by Christians but we cannot expect the non-Christian
to embrace this position. For them, this is a morally acceptable option that
can provide needed joy. I can understand this, although I would not promote it.
This biblical position supports conception happening as God intended – in the
mother’s womb and not with the involvement of a third party. Things can get pretty
muddled with both surrogacy and sperm donation. The baby will have the genes of
parties outside of the marriage.
There is also the issue of obtaining of eggs through
masturbation. The Catholic position on this is that “masturbation may not be
used as a substitute for sexual relations in order to collect sperm outside the
body to be inserted into the womb” (Rae, 164). This position I consider
hardline! My wife and I spoke about this one. We are of the position that
considerations must be given to individual cases. We shouldn’t just paint a
broad stroke in decisions for everyone. Some couples experience Vaginismus –
the woman experiences vaginal spasms where the muscle contracts during
penetration which makes sexual intercourse painful and un-pleasurable. Should
we not consider this woman and assist her? Then there’s the man who experiences
erectile dysfunction – imagine the frustration experienced here. Should he not be
helped? I am of the position that as long as obtaining the sperm within the
context of marriage, the couple in agreement, then there is no guilt associated
with masturbation to achieve an agreed goal. This I believe is morally
acceptable. But, there’s also scripture that encourages us to be content with our
lot (1 Cor. 7: 17-28). This scripture is used to “suggest that use of any
reproductive technology “could” fall outside the parameters if its use is
motivated by desperation” (Rae, 167).
Lastly, my position on this matter is (1) Procreation should
take place within the context of a stable, permanent monogamous, and
heterosexual marriage (2) Effort must be made to protect fetuses and embryos in
fertility procedures (3) Adoption is a viable option (4) Reproduction
technologies that involve surrogacy and outside sperm donation is not a morally
acceptable option (5) Christians need to bathe these decisions in prayer.
Children are a gift from God and so is technology.
Deliberate considerations must be given to the use of technology. As long as it
does not violate God’s command, the use of reproductive technologies are an
available option.
Reference:
Rae, S. Moral
Choices. Grand Rapids MI: Zondervan (2009)
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