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Embryos right to life and assisted reproductive technologies

Dezhkam L*1, Abbaszadeh M2
1. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Islamic Education, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
2. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Islamic Education, Jahrom University, Jahrom, Iran

Abstract:
Introduction: The right to life is one of the basic and fundamental rights of a fetus which is
bestowed to him from the beginning of life and which should be respected and observed by
parents. The new methods of assisted reproductive technologies have created various issues and
challenges in relation to the fetus rights. They entail questions such as when is it necessary to
respect the right to life of the embryo or fetus? And whether respecting this right to zygote and
embryo is necessary. Today, by means of freezing, zygotes and embryos growth is stopped
outside uterus as a way to preserve them.
Materials and Methods: This study used descriptive, analytical, and library methods.
Results: The issues which are related and in contrast to the fetuss right to life include: A) Birth
control and family planning B) Abortion C) Fetal death D) Clash of mothers right to life and
fetuss right to life E) Artificial fertilization. Senior Islamic jurists have considered implantation
as the beginning of embryos life. From this point on, the violation of the right to abortion or fetal
death, is prohibited and the perpetrators should make atonements. So, eggs obtained from in vitro
fertilization would not have a right to life and only those methods of contraception are
permissible which prevent the fertilization or implantation of egg. Therefore, the development of
technology in modern times, raises the question as to what extent embryos outside uterus have a
right to life? The answer seems necessary given that artificial uteri have been developed.
Conclusion: Islamic jurists respect and require the fetuss right since the implantation of fetus.
Gynecologists and obstetricians need to respect this right and advise patients not to violate the
fetus right to life. Establishing consultation and supervision centers along assisted reproductive
centers seems necessary in order to ensure the fetuss right to life is not violated by any means.
Keywords: Right To Life, Abortion, Infertility, Assisted Reproduction

* Corresponding author, Email: dezhkam@jums.ac.ir

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