Is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Permissible?
Some of our patients inquire about the permissibility of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. In this regard, the opinion of religious authorities is as follows:
In cases where natural conception is not possible due to a defect in either the woman or the man, as per the decision of the Religious Affairs High Council dated 20.05.1992;
- Both the fertilized egg and sperm must belong to legally married spouses, meaning neither of them should belong to a third party.
- The fertilized egg should develop in the uterus of the spouse who owns the egg, not in the uterus of another woman.
- As long as it is medically established that this procedure will not have a negative impact on the physical, mental, and intellectual health of both the parents and the child, there is no religious prohibition in resorting to the IVF method.
Another question that may come to mind is:
Should we undergo IVF treatment, or should we accept our fate and be patient?
IVF is a treatment method. There is no concept of accepting fate without seeking treatment. Seeking treatment is also a requirement of fate.
If Allah has given an ailment, He has surely provided its remedy. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "O people, seek treatment. O servants of Allah, seek treatment. Indeed, Allah has never sent down an illness without sending down a cure for it."