Advances in Tri-parent Baby Technology: The Bioethical Challenge for Muslims

Abstract

Preservation of progeny or lineage is one of the elements of maqasid al-sharī‘ah (higher objectives of Islamic law). Islam is very particular in matters pertaining to the health of newborns. Consequently, issues concerning female fertility and newborn defects caused by genetic diseases are discussed by Muslim scholars. These two health issues are caused by various factors including defects in reproductive organs and genetic problems inherited from the maternal or paternal side or even caused by mutations such as defective mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a medical treatment developed to overcome fertility problems. Recently, this field developed an ART-based defective mitochondrial treatment therapy known as tri-parent baby technology (TPBT). The technology currently being studied involves two types of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) technique: pronuclear transfer (PNT) and maternal spindle transfer (MST). This TPBT could be of great benefit to mankind, including Muslims. However, for Muslims, this technology raises various issues including questions of ethics, morality and parental status. This article presents a brief background of the TPBT as well as challenges for Muslims arising from it. Initial feedback from an Islamic jurisprudential viewpoint is provided by highlighting and analysing scientists’ and current Islamic scholars’ research and insights on this issue