Since the birth of Louise Brown in 1978, reproductive medicine and religious doctrine have been continually renegotiated. Whether in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), or sperm donation—each method raises questions about the understanding of marriage, the protection of life, and lineage. This guide shows how the major religious communities in 2025 approach fertility treatments and where they set their boundaries.
Christianity
From strict rejection to pragmatic acceptance—the positions of Christian churches vary widely.
Catholic Church
Donum Vitae and Dignitas Personae permit interventions that support the marital act (e.g., IUI with the couple’s own sperm) but forbid any laboratory-based fertilization. No embryo may be lost.
- Allowed: cycle monitoring, hormonal stimulation, NaProTechnology, IUI with own gametes, cryopreservation followed by complete embryo transfer.
- Forbidden: IVF/ICSI, sperm donation, egg donation, surrogacy, embryo research, non-therapeutic PGD.
Protestant Churches
The EKD (German Protestant Church) accepts IVF and IUI with a strict single-embryo transfer policy. Evangelical denominations insist that no excess embryos be created.
- Allowed: IVF, IUI, medically indicated PGD, sperm donation with congregational approval.
- Forbidden or contested: purposeful embryo destruction, anonymous donations, unregulated surrogacy.
Orthodox Churches
IVF and IUI are permissible if only the married couple’s gametes are used. A single-embryo policy aims to avoid surplus embryos.
- Allowed: IVF, IUI, cryopreservation of own embryos, PGD for lethal hereditary diseases.
- Forbidden: sperm donation, egg donation, surrogacy, embryo research.
Latter-day Saints & Pentecostal Churches
- LDS (Mormons): IVF/IUI with own gametes allowed; third-party donations left to individual conscience.
- Pentecostal Churches: Range from outright rejection to pragmatic acceptance; IUI is generally viewed less critically than IVF.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
No official prohibition. Publications emphasize that no embryo be intentionally discarded. Third-party gametes are treated as a matter of personal conscience but are often discouraged.
- Allowed: IVF, IUI, cryopreservation of own embryos with subsequent transfer.
- Forbidden or contested: sperm donation, egg donation, surrogacy, non-medical PGD.
Islam
The principle of nasab—unbroken lineage—is the decisive criterion.
Sunni
Fatwas restrict all procedures to the gametes of the married couple.
- Allowed: IVF and IUI with the couple’s own egg and sperm, cryopreservation during an existing marriage.
- Forbidden: sperm donation, egg donation, surrogacy, embryo adoption.
Shia
Donation and surrogacy are permitted if lineage and child’s rights are contractually guaranteed.
- Allowed: IVF, IUI, gamete and embryo donation, surrogacy, medical PGD.
- Forbidden or contested: anonymous donations, arbitrary embryo destruction.
Judaism
Halacha embraces technology while protecting lineage and embryo dignity.
Orthodox
IVF/IUI with own gametes is permitted when a rabbi supervises the lab process. Third-party donations remain exceptional.
- Allowed: IVF, IUI, PGD for serious hereditary diseases.
- Forbidden: sperm donation (unless life is at risk), anonymous egg donation, surrogacy with non-Jewish carriers.
Conservative & Reform Communities
Technology is more broadly accepted, but transparency toward the child remains mandatory.
- Allowed: IVF, IUI, sperm and egg donation, surrogacy, medical PGD.
- Forbidden or contested: arbitrary embryo destruction, anonymous donations.
Hinduism
Children are considered a blessing; karmic consequences should be avoided.
- Allowed: IVF, IUI, sperm donation, egg donation, surrogacy, ritual puja blessing before transfer.
- Forbidden or contested: intentional embryo destruction.
Buddhism
The principle of ahimsa—do no harm—is governing.
- Allowed: IVF, IUI, donations, surrogacy, provided embryos are preserved.
- Forbidden or contested: embryo destruction, non-medical sex selection.
Sikhism
Medical assistance is viewed as a divine tool, but lineage must remain traceable.
- Allowed: IVF/IUI with own gametes, intra-family donation, open surrogacy.
- Forbidden or contested: anonymous sperm donation, exploitation of surrogates.
Baháʼí
Science is welcomed, but only spouses should be the genetic source.
- Allowed: IVF, IUI, cryopreservation of own gametes.
- Forbidden: third-party gametes, surrogacy, embryo research.
Taoism
Technology is acceptable as long as the natural balance is maintained.
- Allowed: IVF, IUI, moderate technological intervention, Qi-Gong support.
- Forbidden or contested: excessive manipulation, arbitrary embryo destruction.
Confucianism
Family harmony and clear ancestral lines are paramount.
- Allowed: IVF, IUI, intra-family donations, genealogical transparency.
- Forbidden or contested: anonymous donations, unjustified embryo destruction.
Shintō
No dogma opposes technology, but purity rituals are essential.
- Allowed: IVF, IUI, donations, surrogacy if ritual cleansing is observed.
- Forbidden or contested: disregard for shrine-related purity rites.
Zoroastrianism
Technology is accepted as long as purity rules are followed and the child’s welfare is safeguarded.
- Allowed: IVF, IUI, donation from Zoroastrian gametes, dedicated IVF labs.
- Forbidden or contested: embryo destruction, donations from non-Zoroastrians without purity rituals.
Conclusion
This overview shows that nearly every religion today permits fertility treatments—but under clearly defined conditions for IVF, IUI, and donation. Those seeking to reconcile medical possibilities with their faith should involve medical professionals, clergy, and legal experts early on to ensure ethical guidelines, medical safety, and parental rights align seamlessly.