Assisted Reproductive Technology: Islamic Perspective

Abstract

Seeking a cure for infertility is not only permissible, but also encouraged in Islam. In Islamic law, all assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are allowed, provided that the source of the sperm, ovum, and uterus comes from a legally married couple during the span of their marriage. No third party should intrude upon the marital functions of sex and procreation. Surrogacy is not accepted in Islam. An excess number of fertilized embryos can be preserved by cryopreservation and may be transferred to the same wife in a successive cycle, while the marriage is intact. Using frozen sperm after the death of the husband is not permitted.