THE MORAL STATUS OF EX VIVO HUMAN EMBRYOS: ISLAMIC BIOETHICAL PERSPECTIVES ON EMBRYO RESEARCH AND GENETIC TESTING

Abstract

The advent of in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology, which led to the birth of the first child conceived through this method in 1978, provided a groundbreaking solution for infertile couples worldwide. However, its widespread use has also given rise to profound ethical dilemmas that continue to challenge both Islamic and Western secular perspectives. This thesis addresses two key bioethical issues stemming from the application of IVF. The first concerns the moral status of ex vivo human embryos created during the procedure, particularly whether they can be used for scientific research. These embryos, often referred to as “surplus,” are those not selected for implantation. Current global practices offer three main options for their disposition: donation for research, disposal, or donation to another couple. From a Sunni Islamic perspective, only the first two are permissible. The second issue involves the genetic testing of embryos during the pre-implantation selection process. While current clinical practice allows for sex selection in cases of medical necessity, the potential use of this technology for non-medical purposes raises concerns about genetic discrimination and the unnecessary increase in surplus embryos. These ethical challenges have been at the heart of interdisciplinary Islamic bioethical deliberations, particularly through the mechanism of collective ijtihād, which brings together religious scholars and biomedical experts. This thesis examines these discussions by focusing on the contributions of three key translational institutions: the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences (IOMS) in Kuwait, the Islamic Fiqh Council (IFC) in Mecca, and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Through the lens of Islamic bioethics, this study explores the evolving discourse on IVF, the permissibility of embryo donation for research, and the ethical implications of genetic testing in pre-implantation selection.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Islamic Studies