Faith, Religion & Fertility: Navigating Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

Kwenza Onyenakala
Oct 1
9 min read

In July 2025, a baby boy was born to a couple in Ohio, USA, grabbing headlines because he was conceived from an embryo frozen for 30 years. This event was noteworthy as it marked the oldest frozen embryo to be implanted into a woman's womb and successfully result in a birth.

The uniqueness of this story lies in the fact that the embryo donor was a 62-year-old Christian woman named Linda Archerd. She had specifically requested that her embryos be given to a married Caucasian Christian couple residing in the USA. The embryo was one of four created during an IVF cycle in 1994 with her then-husband. While the couple had one child, Ms. Archerd spent thousands over the years to preserve the remaining embryos, as she did not want them destroyed, used for research, or anonymously donated. She wished to be involved in the life of any child born from these embryos since they would be related to her adult daughter.

This story highlights the challenges many individuals with religious backgrounds face when making decisions about assisted reproductive procedures. The process of assisted reproduction can be complex, especially when intertwined with spiritual beliefs.

Understanding Assisted Reproduction

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) encompass a range of procedures aimed at helping individuals and couples conceive. Key methods include:

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A process where eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body. Placed together in a dish, the sperm naturally swims towards the egg to fertilize it.
Intracytoplasmic Injection (ICSI): In this process, a single specially selected sperm is injected into an egg. This process is usually used where there are sperm morphology issues.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): A procedure that involves placing sperm directly into the uterus.
Egg Donation: Utilizing donated eggs for fertilization.
Sperm Donation: Using donated sperm for conception.
Surrogacy: Engaging another woman to carry a pregnancy for intended parents.

Within the process of IVF are other specific procedures which can be medically recommended according to varying circumstances. These can include amongst others; assisted hatching, Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) or Preimplantation Genetic Testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M).re-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A)Pre-implantation genetic

Spiritual Views on Infertility and Fertility Treatments

Different religions have distinct perspectives on infertility and fertility treatments. Couples who rely on their spiritual beliefs tend to adhere to the guidelines set by their faith or religion with support from their leaders.

Within Christianity, views on infertility and fertility treatments can vary significantly among different denominations. Generally, many Christians believe that children are a blessing from God, and thus, infertility can be seen as a challenge to be faced with faith and prayer. Even though the Bible does not give clear instructions on the use of ARTs, guidance is based on the ethical issues that come with these procedures. Some denominations support IVF as long as it avoids the creation of surplus embryos.

The Catholic church opposes the use of IVF and bases its teachings on the fact that life is sacred from the moment of creation. Procreation should take place naturally within the confines of a marriage. Papal statements and teachings have echoed concerns about IVF'S potential to devalue human life.

In Judaism, the use of ARTs is motivated by the commandment to "be fruitful and multiply." The use of IVF to help couples conceive is not only permitted but also considered necessary to fulfil this commandment. Many Jewish authorities support IVF when it involves the husband's sperm and the wife's egg. However, a minority of Jewish authorities may oppose IVF, viewing it as 'wasting seed' and disrupting the natural order of creation. The use of donor sperm or eggs can introduce complications in Jewish tradition, as it raises concerns about 'adultery' and the risk of unintentional incest in future generations.

In Islam the Qur'an emphasises the importance of family. Having children is considered a divine plan for married couples, therefore the religion is supportive of couples seeking medical attention for infertility. For IVF, the sperm and egg must come from the married couple to maintain the sanctity of marriage and lineage. Use of donor eggs and sperm is prohibited.

Buddhism is a religion that does not involve a deity. The choice to pursue fertility treatments falls under the ethical teachings of Buddhism, which emphasize avoiding harm. Followers interpret these teachings to make personal decisions based on their intentions, values, and circumstances.

In Hinduism life starts at conception and the soul is considered to enter the body early on. Even though the religion is open to IVF there are ethical and cultural perspectives within communities that Hindus may have to consider before undergoing fertility treatment.

The Question of When Life Begins in the Christian Faith

This Blog focuses in detail on the Christian faith. For many Christian couples, one of the most challenging questions to navigate is: when does life begin? This question is not only significant from a theological perspective but also has profound implications for moral and ethical decision-making. Central to this discussion is the distinction between an embryo as an already formed life versus a life that is in the process of formation.

Understanding Embryology

To better understand the debate surrounding the beginning of life, it is essential to explore the science of embryology, which can be divided into two key phases:

Pre-Embryonic Phase: This phase occurs immediately after fertilization when the sperm fertilizes the egg, resulting in the formation of a zygote. This zygote which contains all the genetic material from the father and the mother travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus, where it will eventually implant and continue developing.
Embryonic Phase: This phase begins once the zygote has implanted in the uterus and starts to develop into an embryo. During this time, the cells begin to differentiate and form the various systems and structures that will eventually develop into a fully formed human being.

Life and Creation in the Christian Faith Perspective

In the Bible, the concept of life begins long before physical existence. God, as the ultimate creator, initiates creation in Heaven. According to this belief, every human life is predestined, established even before conception occurs. A key verse that illustrates this belief is Jeremiah 1:5, where God speaks of the prophet Jeremiah, stating, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart . . ."

While some may interpret this scripture as pertaining solely to Jeremiah, it is widely understood within Christian theology to imply that God possesses knowledge of every individual and their unique purpose on Earth, even prior to their physical arrival. This perspective emphasizes the belief that man is created in the spiritual realm before conception takes place in the physical world.

Notable couples in the Bible faced infertility, but their narratives don't offer direct advice for contemporary couples beyond encouraging them to pray, wait, and trust in God; actions that arguably underpin the essence of faith. The women in the Bible dealt with their situations differently. Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, is the epitome of faith, as she prayed and waited patiently until her old age for God to answer her prayer to conceive. (Luke 1:5-2:21). Hannah, the wife of Elkanah, prayed so fervently that she appeared drunk. She made a vow to God that if He answered her prayer, she would dedicate the child to serve Him for life (1 Samuel 1:9-28). The Lord heard her prayer and granted her request.

In contrast, some journeys were shaped by doubt and fear, even during prayer. A desperate Sarah, gave her slave Hagar to her husband Abraham to bear an heir (Genesis 16:1-3). Rachel, Jacob's wife, did the same. Tired of being mocked by Leah (her sister also married to Jacob) for her childlessness, she offered her maid Bilhah to bear children for her (Genesis 35:22). These situations resemble surrogacy and donor conception today, with the difference being the physical contact between the egg donor and male partner, which would be unacceptable now. The fact that all the women mentioned eventually conceived biological children provides hope that God will ultimately intervene. However, the Bible does not address the everyday challenges that Christian couples face in today's world of assisted reproduction medicine.

What Then for Couples of Faith?

Infertility occurs, even among those who are deeply spiritual. The emotional distress, stigma, and isolation are universal experiences, regardless of one's background. The medical treatment options available are the same for everyone. While these choices might be straightforward for some, they can be more complex for those who rely on their spiritual beliefs.

The aim of IVF treatment is to enable a woman to produce more eggs than she would in a natural cycle. This increases the chances of success by fertilizing a larger number of eggs to create multiple embryos. The ethical questions arise concerning the fate of the surplus embryos. Viable embryos not required by couples may be donated for research, discarded, frozen for future use, or offered for adoption. As a Christian woman, Ms. Archerd grappled with these issues and chose to allow her embryos the chance to be adopted, hoping they would one day provide couples facing infertility with the opportunity to have a child.

Here are some methods that couples might find beneficial on their journey.

Prayer - Prayer is significant in the journey of a couple of faith, and faith leaders often play a part in this journey. While supporting couples, it's important to balance prayer with seeking medical help. Infertility is a reproductive system disease, and diagnosing underlying conditions is crucial. This does not prevent any healing ministry from being part of the couple's journey. Early diagnosis can save time and money, especially since in the UK, funding for IVF treatment ceases after a certain age.
Knowledge - It would be beneficial for faith leaders to understand reproductive technologies and their implications to better support couples, rather than discouraging them from seeking treatment. Couples should feel comfortable discussing their options and decisions to receive sound spiritual guidance.
Service Diversity - Fertility services should be sensitive to individuals' diverse faiths, religious beliefs, culture, and traditions. Every service must ensure representation so that people feel comfortable engaging with care at their understanding level. Couples are encouraged to voice their needs and advocate for themselves, which may include requesting a professional with spiritual sensitivity.
Faith-Based Support Groups - Joining a faith-based support group can be beneficial for a couple. In a group of like-minded individuals, it's easier to share fears and uncertainties and strengthen each other, particularly through Bible reading and prayer.
Choices - It's important to understand the options that align with one's beliefs. Some clinics provide a gentle, natural method for IVF treatment, which avoids creating multiple eggs and embryos. This method, which works with the body's natural process of ovulation may be beneficial for couples looking to avoid tough decisions about excess embryos. Couples may also opt to fertilize a few eggs at a time and freeze the rest to use at the next cycle if unsuccessful. Although these options might lead to additional financial expenses, clinics ought to contemplate providing them.
Other Therapies - Engaging in counselling services can be helpful for couples, especially those tailored for individuals experiencing infertility. Most IVF clinics offer counselling as part of the treatment package, which can be beneficial to explore.

Alternative Pathways to Parenthood

Infertility is a painful journey for any couple to experience. It is the will of God for people to produce offspring, as evidenced in various scriptures throughout the Bible. Almost everyone desires a biological child, but sometimes this does not happen. When faced with such challenges, clinics may suggest alternative ways to form a family. These options include:

Use of donor sperm or eggs
Embryo adoption
Surrogacy
Child adoption

These are life-changing decisions that require much consideration. Before making any decisions, couples must seek counselling and the support of a trusted faith leader. When donor gametes are used, there must be an acceptance that the child may not carry the DNA of one or both parents. Laws are continually being reviewed regarding the age at which donor-conceived individuals can access information about their donor parent.

Another way to form a family is through adoption. Adoption not only provides a child with a loving home but also enables parents to pass on values rather than genes, which can be equally fulfilling. Whatever decision a couple makes, it should be an informed one that embraces their individuality and spirituality.

Conclusion

Navigating the landscape of assisted reproduction through the lens of faith can be complex. By understanding the intersection of medical technology and spiritual beliefs, couples can find a path that aligns with their values and supports their journey toward parenthood.