THE PRACTICE OF MEDICAL SURROGACY AND USE OF IN VITRO FERTILIZATION VERSUS THE CHRISTIAN AND THE BIBLE

INTRODUCTION 

Medical surrogacy, also known as gestational surrogacy, involves the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to help infertile couples or individuals conceive a child through the involvement of a surrogate mother. 

IVF - In Vitro Fertilization, is a medical procedure used to help individuals or couples who are experiencing fertility problems conceive a child. IVF involves the fertilization of an egg with sperm outside the body, in a laboratory setting, and then the resulting embryo is implanted into the uterus. 

Both IVF and surrogacy are not directly addressed in the Bible since it was written long before such modern medical advancements. But, while the Bible does not clearly address medical surrogacy and IVF, there are several relevant biblical principles and passages that can inform our understanding of this practice. 

THE SANCTITY OF LIFE 

The Bible consistently upholds the sanctity of human life, recognizing the inherent value and dignity of every individual. This principle is relevant when considering medical surrogacy, as it involves the creation of a new life. 

The Bible consistently upholds the sanctity of life and the value of every human being. God knits individuals together in the womb, emphasizing the intrinsic worth of unborn children. God is involved in the formation and purpose of every individual from the moment of conception. 

Genesis 1:26-27 (JUB) says, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over the beasts and over all the earth and over every serpent that moves upon the earth. So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."

Psalms 139:13-16 (NET) says, "Certainly you made my mind and heart; you wove me together in my mother’s womb. I will give you thanks because your deeds are awesome and amazing. You knew me thoroughly; my bones were not hidden from you, when I was made in secret and sewed together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence."

Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NET) says, "The Lord said to me, “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb I chose you. Before you were born I set you apart. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.”

Medical surrogacy, when used to bring forth life, can align with this principle by providing an opportunity for couples to have children. It is also important to consider the implications of any reproductive technology in light of this principle, including the handling and disposition of embryos created through IVF. 

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ON MARRIAGE AND PROCREATION 

The Bible presents marriage as the context for sexual intimacy affirming the union between a man and a woman in marriage as the foundation for a family. 

From a biblical perspective, the use of assisted reproductive technologies by gay couples to create a family raises doctrinal and moral concerns. 

God designed and ordained the union of a man and a woman in marriage for the purpose of procreation. God prohibits homosexual marriage and same-sex sexual relationships.

Leviticus 18:22 (NET) says, "You must not have sexual intercourse with a male as one has sexual intercourse with a woman; it is a detestable act."

Romans 1:26-27 says, "For this reason, God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature, and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another."  

Marriage is a sacred institution designed for procreation and companionship. God established the union between a man and a woman in marriage, and He commands them to be fruitful and multiply. 

This implies the natural expectation of procreation within the context of marriage. Sexual union within the context of marriage is the primary means of conceiving children.

Genesis 1:27-28 (JUB) says, "So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over every beast that moves upon the earth."

Genesis 2:24 says, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." 

Matthew 19:5-6 (NET) says, "And said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Concerns arise on the involvement of a third party in the reproductive process through artificial insemination, potentially disrupting the exclusive union between a husband and wife. 

But, medical surrogacy and/or IVF when done from the context of a marital bond in the context of childbearing challenges may be seen as an extension of the couple's marriage commitment. 

While medical surrogacy and IVF can potentially provide a solution for those struggling with infertility, ethical concerns arise when considering the involvement of a third party in the conception and gestation process. 

Sexual intimacy must be done within the bounds of marriage and we are cautioned against sexual immorality.

1 Corinthians 6:16-18 (NHEB) says, "Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute is one body? For, "The two," says he, "will become one flesh." But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit. Flee sexual immorality! "Every sin that a man does is outside the body," but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body."

Hebrews 13:4 (NHEB) says, "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers."

Medical surrogacy may raise ethical concerns regarding the sanctity of the marital bond and the potential for exploitation or commodification of both the surrogate mother and the unborn child, and potential exploitation of women. 

The Bible teaches that humans should not be treated as objects or exploited for personal gain (James 5:4). 

So, any form of medical surrogacy should prioritize the well-being, autonomy, and consent of all parties involved, ensuring that the surrogate mother is treated with dignity and fairness.

GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY IN REPRODUCTION 

The practice of medical surrogacy and IVF for Christians must be done in recognition that the creation of human life is strictly within God's province and beyond human authority. While we as humans may be involved in the biological process, it is God who gives us children. 

Psa 127:3 (EasyEnglish) says, "Children are something that God gives. The fruit of your body is a gift (from him)."

Children are a blessing from God. It acknowledges that children are not merely a result of human effort or biology but are a gift bestowed by God. 

In a broader context, Psalm 127 addresses the theme of God's provision and the importance of relying on Him in all aspects of life. The preceding verses discuss the futility of human labor without God's blessing and the significance of trusting in Him for security and success. 

Psalm 127:3 serves as a reminder that children are not to be taken for granted but recognized as a precious gift from God. It encourages gratitude and a recognition of the responsibility that comes with raising children. This verse resonates with the idea that children are a source of joy, fulfillment, and legacy within the context of faith. 

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God's sovereignty over reproductive matters, including instances of infertility and miraculous conceptions. 

For instance, Sarah's infertility in Genesis 16 and the subsequent birth of Isaac demonstrate God's ability to overcome reproductive challenges. Sarah was initially unable to conceive a child, but God intervened and miraculously enabled her to conceive in her old age, fulfilling His promise to Abraham. 

The account of Sarah's infertility and subsequent conception emphasizes the importance of relying on God's guidance and trusting in His timing. It shows that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, God has the power to overcome them and bring forth new life. 

Another notable example is the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah in the New Testament. Elizabeth was barren, and both she and her husband were advanced in years. But, God intervened and allowed Elizabeth to conceive and give birth to John the Baptist, who played a significant role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. 

These instances of miraculous conceptions remind us that God is not bound by human limitations or medical odds. His sovereignty extends to all aspects of life, including reproduction. They encourage us to seek God's guidance and trust in His plan, even when faced with challenges or difficulties in the area of fertility. 

It is important to note that while God has demonstrated His ability to bring forth life in miraculous ways, not everyone experiences such interventions. Infertility and reproductive challenges are complex issues that can have various causes, both physical and emotional. In these situations, seeking medical advice and exploring available treatments can be appropriate. 

Ultimately, God's sovereignty in matters of reproduction calls us to approach this area of life with humility, trust, and a willingness to submit to His will. It reminds us that our ultimate hope rests in God rather than our own efforts, and that He is able to work miracles in the most challenging circumstances. 

Paul in the book of Romans discusses matters of personal conviction and conscience in relation to food and drink. He emphasizes the importance of acting in faith and being fully convinced in one's own mind, as going against one's conscience is sinful.

Romans 14:23 states, "But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin." 

Likewise, on whether or not to practice surrogacy and/IVF, it is a matter of personal conviction according to one's faith. It should not be imposed on those whose conscience will be defiled by it. 

INTENT AND MOTIVATION 

The Bible encourages believers to examine their hearts and motivations in all areas of life. 

1 Corinthians 5:8 (NET) says, "So then, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of vice and evil, but with the bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth."

Ephesians 4:30-32 (NET) says, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. You must put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and evil, slanderous talk. Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you."

Couples considering medical surrogacy and/or IVF should evaluate their intentions and motivations carefully. If the desire for a child through surrogacy or IVF stems from a genuine longing to love and raise a child in a godly manner, it can be seen as a positive expression of their love and desire for family. 

The Bible encourages believers to show love, compassion, and selflessness towards others. While medical surrogacy and IVF can be seen as acts of compassion towards infertile couples, it is crucial to evaluate the motivations and intentions behind pursuing these options. 

It is essential to ensure that the surrogacy arrangement respects the dignity and well-being of all parties involved, including the surrogate mother, the biological parents, and the child.

GOD'S DESIGN FOR PARENTHOOD 

The Bible emphasizes the importance of biological parenthood and the natural process of conception. But, it also recognizes the value of adoption and the formation of families through alternative means. 

Exodus 2:10 (NET) says, "When the child grew older she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “Because I drew him from the water.”

Medical surrogacy and IVF can be seen as an extension of this principle, providing an opportunity for childless couples to experience the joys and responsibilities of parenthood.

WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT 

The Bible encourages believers to seek godly wisdom and understanding when making decisions, such as surrogacy and IVF.

Proverbs 3:5-7 (NET) says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own estimation; fear the Lord and turn away from evil."

James 1:5 (NET) says, "But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him."

When considering IVF or any reproductive technology, it is important to prayerfully seek guidance, consult with medical professionals, and consider the potential physical, emotional, and ethical implications involved. 

Given the absence of explicit scriptural guidance on medical surrogacy, Christians are encouraged to prayerfully consider these biblical principles and seek godly counsel when exploring this option. 

It is crucial to examine the motivations, ethical concerns, and potential consequences while upholding the sanctity of life, the institution of marriage, and the principles of love and compassion.

CONCLUSION 

In summary, while medical surrogacy and the use of IVF in childbearing is not openly addressed in the Bible, biblical principles such as the sanctity of life, the importance of marriage, and the value of parenthood can be applied to assess its ethical implications. 

The intention, respect for life, and the well-being of all parties involved are crucial considerations when evaluating the biblical perspective on medical surrogacy. 

The decision rregarding these modern medical options is a personal one that should be made prayerfully and with careful consideration of biblical principles, seeking to honor God and respect the sanctity of life. 

It is also advisable to seek guidance from trusted spiritual counselors who can provide biblical counsel in specific circumstances.