Asking the Clergy: What is your faith's position on IVF treatments?

The Alabama Supreme Court ruled in February that frozen embryos are children, and that parents can sue for wrongful death if the embryos are destroyed. In a concurring opinion, the court’s chief justice, Tom Parker, cited Christian theology to make his case. This week’s clergy discuss how their faiths view in vitro fertilization (IVF), an infertility treatment that uses frozen embryos to assist people who are otherwise unable to conceive children.

Rabbi Susan Elkodsi

Malverne Jewish Center  

In Genesis 1:28, God says to Adam, p’ru u-r’vu, basically, “be fruitful and multiply.” The mandate to procreate was previously given to animals, understanding that without creating future generations, life on Earth would quickly cease to exist. Since the birth of Louise Brown in 1978, IVF has helped millions to fulfill their dream of starting or adding to their family. IVF is a way to help someone fulfill the commandment in Genesis, and also to bring into their lives the joys (and oys) of raising children. While no one speaks for all of Judaism, essentially, if IVF is needed in order to create a family, it is permitted. However, it comes with potential physical, emotional and financial ramifications. Leviticus 18:5 says, “You shall keep My statutes and My ordinances, which a person shall do and live by them.” The Babylon Talmud, in tractate Yoma, adds, “and not die by them.” We’re not allowed to endanger our health and well-being, so the risks and benefits need to be seriously considered. IVF can bring a child into the world who might otherwise not have been born, bringing joy to its family and strengthening both the Jewish and human community.

Sanaa Nadim

Chaplain and director, Islamic Society, and Chair, Interfaith Center, Stony Brook University

The Quran, which Muslims believe to be a revelation from God and is the central religious text of Islam, states, “Oh, mankind we have created you from a single male and female, made you into peoples and tribes. That you may know one another; Surely, the most noble of you in the sight of God is the most God mindful/righteous of you. Allah (the creator) is all knowing, All aware.” (49:13) Thus in Islam, the use of frozen embryos and medical procedures in IVF is perfectly acceptable as a means of conceiving a child. Women are allowed, and even encouraged, to facilitate the success of their pregnancies through advances in science and medicine. Some scholars may differ on IVF treatments but absolutely agree that no surrogate can be involved. However, the permissibility is only dependent on the sperm and the egg both coming from the married couple (as opposed to a donor), but regardless, the process of freezing the egg is permitted as long as the intention is to fertilize the egg, postnuptials.

The Rev. Monique V. Harris

Associate Pastor, Grace Cathedral International, Uniondale  

In vitro fertilization treatments have been a topic of ethical debate within various faith communities, sometimes centering on Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary holds a significant role in Christian traditions, and her portrayal in the Annunciation story emphasizes her miraculous conception through the Holy Spirit. This divine intervention sets her apart from the typical human reproduction process. While some religious groups view IVF as a medical advancement that can assist infertile couples in starting families, others may reflect on Mary’s unique experience and question the manipulation of human reproduction through assisted technologies. In this context, individuals wrestling with the decision to pursue IVF may find themselves contemplating the complex intersection of faith, tradition and personal beliefs, seeking guidance from biblical teachings and understanding Mary’s role in the broader narrative of fertility and conception. My own opinion is that when we have our solid relationship with God, whatever we desire and ask for, if God feels it in our heart, he will bless us with that. And if God blesses us with a child, by whatever means, might we respond as Mary did, “I am the Lord’s servant . . . May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)