Chapter 43 - Christian ethics in fertility preservation

Summary

This chapter provides an interpretive framework for examining how Christian theological tenets and convictions might inform an ethical assessment of fertility preservation. It examines four pertinent theological and biblical precepts; describes four general moral stances along a spectrum of options; and identifies a principal strength and weakness of each stance. The first general precept may be characterized as the procreative mandate. Artificial insemination by donor (AID) or by husband (AIH), in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo or gamete storage, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and surrogacy would all be prohibited as violating the biological or marital integrity of procreation. Catholic teaching forbids any recourse to assisted reproductive technology (ART), which in turn prohibits the medical treatments associated with fertility preservation. The second general precept is stewardship. The third precept is derived from the doctrine of the incarnation. The fourth precept entails healing and love of neighbor.