Christian Perspectives on Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A Critical Analysis of Theological and Bioethical Documents

Abstract

This paper critically examines Christian attitudes towards infertility and ARTs by analysing some of the theological, ecclesial, pastoral, legal and bioethical documents. It contends that the reaction of Christians to ARTs cannot be narrowed down to a mere religious/medical science conflict. Instead, they are indicative of more profound issues of human dignity, embryo status, marriage, sexuality, parenthood, technological power, and pastoral care. This paper critically analyses the Catholic, Anglican, Protestant, Nigerian and general bioethical sources and their understanding of infertility as a medical, social, spiritual and pastoral wound. The results show that writings of Catholics uphold the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception and that reproductive acts that are an alternative to the conjugal act or that objectify embryos are condemned. The Anglican and Protestant sources are more deliberative; the Nigerian sources highlight stigma, gendered sufferings, the lack of regulation and the need for pastoral and legal protection. The conclusion of the article is that the plausible Christian ethic of ARTs should make moral clarity and compassion work together to safeguard the vulnerable human life without disregarding the suffering of infertile couples. It demands a theologically based, pastorally grateful, scientifically aware and justice-regulation-lived-experience response in various Christian groups and current reproductive health systems of the world today.