Artificial Insemination

[David_McQueen]

can a woman be censored/disfellowshipped if she chooses to have a child by IVF/artificial insemination?

And what about surrogate mothers?

[Gregory Matthews]

The general consensus, as I understand it--no. Itr is a decesion between she, her doctor, and husband, if she has one.

[Dr. Shane]

In Latin America they disfellowship women for wearing jeans to church. So what do you think? The local congregation has a lot of authority. If a woman wants to do either of these and she is concerned about her status in the church she ought to consult her pastor and church elders first. In the NAD I doubt any congregation would disfellowship any woman for doing such.

[cricket]

The miracle of life is such a precious gift. It is a gift given to mankind from God. The Adventist church would be wrong to disfellowship such a member. Censorship might be in order (if the mother is unwed); censorship, that is, of the church body for not reaching out to this unwed mother and embracing her with the love that God commands.

[Jeannieb43]

With all due respect, I must say I'm aghast at this possibility.

I just today returned from spending the day with my 3-month-old granddaughter, the product of IVF. Her parents endured a panoply of fertility treatments for five years before this successful pregnancy finally resulted. The numerous disappointments were almost more than they could bear--but this darling perfect child is now so loved that her parents hardly want to let her out of their arms whenever she's awake. She is their own child just as surely as if there'd been no surgical intervention. No donor eggs or sperm were required; however, after the numerous painful medical and surgical treatments required in order to establish this pregnancy, I wouldn't have blamed them if they'd eventually had to use donor eggs or sperm.

This is not a topic for outsiders!

We should let the families make their own choices, unfettered by nosy, meddling church members. It's not a choice which is entered into lightly, I can assure you.

And how, pray tell, would this interfere with their spiritual lives -- except perhaps to strengthen them??

[Nan]

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This is not a topic for outsiders!

We should let the families make their own choices, unfettered by nosy, meddling church members. It's not a choice which is entered into lightly, I can assure you.

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[:"red"] AMEN JEANNIE [/] IVF and its related treatment modes are expensive in monetary, emotional and physical terms. Those who want to pontificate should not expect to be listened to. Concepts of technical adultery are nitpicking. Let it remain, as you say, a matter of individual conscience.

I say this in reference to married couples in their reproductive years. I do believe it is immoral for women well past menopause to become mothers using donor eggs.

(For the record, I am not actively involved in such procedures, it is a subspecialty area for which I am not qualified. But I see the heartache that goes on beforehand and afterwards, if it is unsuccessful).

[Gerr]

Quote:

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David_McQueen said:

can a woman be censored/disfellowshipped if she chooses to have a child by IVF/artificial insemination?

And what about surrogate mothers?

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[:"blue"]Procreation without representation? I object!!! [/]

Gerry