Matters of Life

Key terms Artificial insemination – Sperm medically inserted into the vagina to assist pregnancy Artificial insemination by donor (A.I.D)- When a woman is made pregnant by the sperm of a man other than her partner, but not through having sexual relations with him. Artificial insemination by husband (A.I.H)- When a woman is made pregnant by the sperm of her husband, but not through having sexual relations with him.

Key terms continued Blood transfusion – When a patient is given extra blood as part of an operation Cloning – The scientific method by which animals or plants can be created which have exactly the same genetic make up as the original, because the DNA of the original is used Embryology – The study of human embryos In vitro fertilisation (I.V.F)- A scientific method of making a woman pregnant, which does not involve sex. Conception occurs via sperm and egg being placed in a test tube or petri dish

Key terms continued Surrogacy – Woman’s egg fertilised artificially by another woman’s partner Surrogate mother – A woman who has a baby for another woman Test tube baby – Term used for a baby created outside of a woman’s body Transplant surgery – When someone else’s organs are put into a patient

What does Christianity say about ‘Matters of Life’? The development of medical techniques for assisting conception has led Christians to think carefully about the moral connections between marriage and having children. Years ago, what was ‘natural’ was ‘right. It seemed to follow that ‘unnatural’ was judged as wrong. Today, things are a little different – maybe?

What does Christianity say about ‘Matters of Life’? Artificial insemination by husband – The Methodist response relies not on how the sperm fertilises the egg, but on whose egg is fertilised by whose sperm. Methodists strongly support research into the causes and remedies of childlessness The Catholic Church believes that life is a gift from God and therefore, we do not have a right to have children So….Is artificial insemination by husband accepted or not?

What does Christianity say about ‘Matters of Life’? Artificial insemination by donor – –In 1959, The Bishop of the Church of England declared A.I.D. “morally wrong and socially harmful”. God may have called people to a childless marriage; that’s just the way it is. The Orthodox Church, providing people act with a “properly informed conscience” have no objection to A.I.D. according to proper laws. –Question – What do you think “properly informed conscience” means

Surrogacy  The Methodist Church does not regard Surrogacy as desirable. If the surrogate mother conceives as a result of intercourse with the married father of the child, an act of adultery has taken place.  It is difficult to see how the Church can approve of this. If the egg is fertilised “in vitro”, the Churches all say that there can be confusion about who the biological parent is.

Surrogacy There may be less objection where the egg is fertilised “in vitro” by the social father; but even here, most Churches say that the carrying of the child by the surrogate mother can lead to severe emotional problems on all sides. Question – Are there any situations when you think surrogacy is an acceptable way of having a child? If so – what ‘type’ of surrogacy?

Genetic Engineering and Embryology Genetic experiments seem to be supported by the Methodist Church if it could help disabilities such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy be cured However, there are potentially more evil possibilities that could be explored through embryo research and genetic engineering. Question – Should we really be seeking to ‘play God’? What are the moral issues here?

What does Islam say about ‘Matters of Life’? As you would probably expect, and as with all religions’ views on different moral issues, Islam seems to be divided on ‘Matters of Life’

What does Islam say about ‘Matters of Life’? Children are an important part of marriage, but some Muslims see fertility treatment as ‘playing God’ It is Allah who gives life and chooses who will have children Infertility is a test of faith from Allah, to be accepted as his will.

What does Islam say about ‘Matters of Life’? In Islamic countries, polygamy is a way of dealing with female infertility Under Islamic law, called Shariah, a man may have up to four wives Many Muslims are prepared to accept some forms of fertility treatment and see the developments of modern science as a blessing from Allah Both A.I.H. and I.V.F. are acceptable, providing the sperm comes from the husband

What does Islam say about ‘Matters of Life’? Using the frozen sperm of dead or divorced partners is NOT allowed, since in both cases the marriage contract has ended Donation of embryos and surrogacy are effectively adultery Surrogacy also separates the genetic aspect of motherhood from the biological According to the Qur’an, the mother of the child is the one who gives birth

What does Islam say about ‘Matters of Life’? Muslims have strong beliefs on the sanctity of life but actually support embryonic research because:- An embryo is not human until 40 – 120 days An embryo conceived outside the uterus has no sanctity of life as it has not entered the woman’s body It is wasteful to destroy unwanted I.V.F. embryos It is good to use knowledge and skills given by Allah to help others

What does Islam say about ‘Matters of Life’? There are conditions for embryonic research in Islam. They are:- Research should be solely for therapeutic purposes Informed consent must be given by the donors Developing alternative methods of research should be encouraged N.B. – Some Muslims are totally opposed to embryonic research, believing in the absolute sanctity of life from conception. They are also concerned that the technology might be abused