Fertility Treatment, Cloning, Genetic Testing

Fertility Treatment This is where a couple are not able to conceive naturally. This is a common situation with one in six couples experience difficulty in conceiving during their lives. IVF – this is the conception of a human embryo outside of the mother’s body. This is where the sperm and ovum are put together. If the egg is fertilised, the embryo is replaced in the woman’s womb. If one than more embryo is created, then the other is destroyed or used for medical research. An anonymous donor could be used to provide sperm or eggs if required. (AID – artificial insemination by donor) Sometimes frozen eggs are donated to an infertile couples to allow them to have a child.

What are the teachings? Bible? In the bible there are many references to healing by Jesus. A response on his love and compassion for humankind. ‘He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healing those who needed healing.’ Luke 9:11 This can ease the suffering of many people who could not have children and these children are wanted and loved. Being against Fertility Treatment is not displaying a loving attitude to one’s neighbour. ‘So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.’ Matthew 7:12 Against the will of God? Some Christians feel that this challenges the will of God, as it is God who should decide whether a person is meant to be infertile or not. ‘Hannah had [no children]…..because the Lord had closed her womb.’ 1 Samuel 1:2-6 This is a gift from God, not a right.

What about another person being involved? The Roman Catholic Church believes that donor eggs or sperm (AID) is wrong as it introduces a third person into what is meant to be a monogamous relationship. Status of the Embryo? Many Christians are concerned about how embryos are used or disposed of. They feel that they should be protected and treated with dignity. This is comparable to murder. ‘Thou shall not kill’ 10 Commandments What is the alternative? Adoption – the most loving thing to do.

Cloning / Genetic Testing There are 3 different types i)DNA cloning Identical copies are made of the DNA sequence, these are then used in biological and technical experiments. i)Reproductive cloning Producing an animal that has exactly the same DNA as another animal. The genetic material of the donor animal is transferred into an egg whose nucleus has been removed. i)Therapeutic cloning Human embryos are produced to gather stem cells that can be used for research. Christian Responses? This is a moral dilemma – all life is sacred, for many even when it is in the embryotic state. Especially where the embryos are also discarded after being used for research. HOWEVER – Christians do recognise that God has given us intelligence and that we should use it.

Roman Catholic Church Immoral and unnecessary Immoral as it is the deliberate creation of new human life for the purpose of removing the stem cells. This removes all the dignity from an individual at its earliest stages. There maybe good motives behind the research, but it is not morally acceptable. Church of England People need to think through the process for themselves. Can be seen as ethical as it does not result in another human being. Depends upon the view of the embryo. If the life is absolute then it is wrong. If developmental (ie their status develops as they grow) then it is ok, if done in the first 14 days after conception. Some people see this as being unnatural, but scientists do lots of things that are unnatural. We shouldn’t dismiss the advances that gives the humans ability to change human life.