IVF
Question
Is the fertility assisted procedure known as IVF permissible in Islam?
Answer
According to our understanding, this procedure is deployed in order to freeze the eggs and fuse the eggs at a later stage before implanting it into the womb. However, you should bear in mind that this is not the natural way of conceiving and therefore not advisable due to the following reasons;
To undergo such a procedure one is required to expose one’s Satr before a doctor, and doing so is only permitted at a time of necessity. In this particular case, such a necessity doesn’t really exist.
In order to complete the fusion process, the male sperm will have to be removed. This cannot be done through masturbation as this is Haraam. Yes, the male may gather his sperm in a condom when having relations or during ‘coitus interrupts’ and this can then be used for the IVF process.
Secondly, there should be certainty that only the husband’s sperm is used and will not be mixed with the sperm of another person. It is also possible that the sperm of the husband is not suitable and the sperm of another individual is used by some money-hungry unscrupulous doctor.
Based on the above factors, this procedure is discouraged. If you cannot have children the natural way, then the alternative would be to adopt a child.
- Approved by
- Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
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