Update
Adventist Guidelines
on Assisted Procreation
on Assisted Procreation
As voted by the Christian View of Human Life Committee at Pine Springs Ranch, California,
April 10-12, 1994 and by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Administrative
Committee (ADCOM), Silver Spring, Maryland, July 26, 1994
Developments in medical technology have led to a number of interventions
designed to assist human procreations. Procedures such as artificial insemination,
in vitro fertilization, surrogacy, embryo transfer, and cloning increasingly
provide new options in human reproduction. Such interventions raise serious
ethical questions for Christians seeking God's will on these issues.
The hope of having children is generally powerful. When this hope is frustrated
by problems of infertility, the disappointment of childlessness weighs
heavily on many couples. Their sorrow deserves understanding and compassion.
It is not surprising that many who suffer sadness because of infertility
turn to new reproductive technologies to restore hope. However, with the
power of such technologies comes the responsibility to decide whether
and when they should be used.
Because of their conviction that God is concerned with all dimensions
of human life, Seventh-day Adventists are committed to discovering and
following God's principles for human reproduction. The power of procreation
is God's gift, and should be used to glorify God and bless humanity. Through
a careful study of the Bible and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the
community of faith can identify fundamental principles that guide in decision
making regarding assisted reproduction. Among the most important of these
are:
1. Human reproduction is part of God's plan (Gen. 1:28), and children
are a blessing from the Lord (Ps. 127:3; 113:9). Medical technologies
that aid infertile couples, when practiced in harmony with biblical principles,
may be accepted in good conscience.
2. Childlessness should bear no social or moral stigma, and no one should
be pressured to have children with or without medical assistance (1 Cor.
7:4, 7; Rom. 14:4; Matt. 19:10-12; 24:19; 1 Tim. 5:8). Decisions to use
or not use reproductive technologies are a deeply personal matter to be
settled mutually by a wife and husband, without coercion. There are many
acceptable reasons, including health and the special demands of some forms
of Christian service (1 Cor. 7:32, 33), that may lead people to refrain
from or limit procreation.
3. God's ideal is for children to have the benefits of a stable family
with active participation of both mother and father (Prov. 22:6; Ps. 128:1-3;
Eph. 6:4; Deut. 6:47; 1 Tim. 5:8). For this reason, Christians may seek
medically assisted reproduction only within the bounds of the fidelity
and permanence of marriage. The use of third parties, such as sperm donors,
ovum donors, and surrogates, introduces a number of medical and moral
problems that are best avoided. Moreover, family and genetic identity
are significant to individual well-being. Decisions regarding assisted
reproduction must take into consideration the impact on family heritage.
4. Human life should be treated with respect at all stages of development
(Jer. 1:5; Ps. 139:13-16). Assisted reproduction calls for sensitivity
to the value of human life. Procedures such as in vitro fertilization
require prior decisions about the number of ova to be fertilized and the
moral issues regarding the disposition of any remaining preembryos.
5. Decisions regarding procreation should be based on complete and accurate
information (Prov. 12:22; Eph. 4:15, 25). Couples considering assisted
reproduction should seek such information. Health care professionals should
disclose fully the nature of the procedures, emotional and physical risks,
costs, and documented successes and limited probabilities.
6. The principles of Christian stewardship are revelant to decisions concerning
assisted reproduction (Luke 14:28; Prov. 3:9). Some form to technology
are vary costly. Couples seeking reproductive assistance should give responsible
consideration to the expenses involved.
As Christians seek to apply these principles, they can be confident that
the Holy Spirit will assist them in their decisions (John 16:13). The
community of faith should seek to understand their aspirations and the
issues that childless couples face (Eph. 4:11-16). Among the alternatives
that infertile couples may consider is adoption. As couples make careful
decisions they should be able to rely on the compassionate understanding
of the church family.
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