IVF and Test Tube Babies Considered Halal or Forbidden

Question

My wife and I have been struggling with infertility, and the doctor suggested IVF. It would use my sperm and her egg, and the embryo would be placed in her womb. Is this procedure allowed in Islam?

Bottom Line

Yes, IVF is allowed when it stays between husband and wife, using only their sperm and egg.

Quick Answer

IVF is permissible when it remains strictly within the marriage: the husband’s sperm, the wife’s egg, and the embryo placed in her womb. Any involvement of donor sperm, donor eggs, or surrogacy is prohibited because it compromises lineage (nasab).

Key Points

• IVF is permissible if kept strictly between husband and wife.
• Donor sperm, donor eggs, or surrogacy are prohibited.
• Preserving lineage is a core Islamic obligation.
• The process must respect modesty, with exposure only when necessary.

Detailed Answer

Islam recognizes infertility as a test and allows medical treatment if it protects lineage and dignity.

Ruling on IVF

If IVF uses the husband’s sperm and the wife’s egg, and the embryo is placed in the wife’s womb, the procedure is permissible. However, if any donor is involved, or the embryo is implanted in another woman (surrogacy), it is prohibited. This is because it introduces confusion into lineage, which Islam strictly forbids.

Allah says:

“It is He who created man from water and has made for him kindred by blood and marriage; and your Lord is ever All-Powerful.”

Qur’an 25:54

Conditions and Boundaries

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The child belongs to the marital bed, and for the adulterer is the stone.” Sahih al-Bukhari, 2055; Sahih Muslim, 1457

This hadith underlines that lineage must remain tied to the marriage and not to outsiders. Even when IVF is allowed, it should be carried out in a dignified manner, ensuring modesty and limiting exposure to medical necessity only.

Issues and Precautions

• Lineage Protection: No mixing of donor sperm, eggs, or surrogacy.
• Embryo Handling: Extra embryos should not be discarded or donated; they must be treated with respect.
• Modesty: Clinical procedures should minimize unnecessary exposure of the wife.
• Psychological Impact: IVF can bring stress, depression, or marital strain if expectations are not managed.
• Medical Risks: Higher risks of multiple pregnancies, complications for the mother, and long-term health concerns.

What This Means for You

Since your doctor suggested IVF using only your sperm and your wife’s egg, and the embryo would be placed in her womb, this procedure is permissible in Islam. If the process were to involve a donor or surrogate, then it would be prohibited.

And Allah knows best

References

Primary Sources

• Qur’an 25:54: Affirms kinship by blood and marriage as Allah’s decree.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 2055: The child belongs to the marital bed.
• Sahih Muslim 1457: Hadith on lineage and the marital bond.

Secondary Sources

• Al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim: Commentary on Hadith 1457 regarding lineage.
• Ibn Qudāmah, al-Mughnī, vol. 9: Detailed rulings on nasab (lineage).
• Islamic Fiqh Academy Resolution 16/3 (1986): IVF permitted within marriage, prohibited with donors or surrogacy.

Modern Research & Reports

• CDC ART Report: IVF success rates vary, and donor cycles show higher complications.
• PubMed (2022): Donor egg pregnancies linked to pre-eclampsia and immune risks.
• PubMed (2018): IVF and surrogacy associated with psychological distress and post-birth trauma.
• PubMed (2022): Multiple pregnancies in IVF increase risks for mother and child.
• NCBI (2019): Ethical concerns on embryo storage and disposal.