Many Christians have legitimate concerns about the morality and ethical implications of using surrogacy to build their family. This also applies to Christians who may consider being a surrogate mother, especially if they’re getting paid to be a surrogate. Reverend Mark Lones, a board-certified chaplain and clinical bioethicist, once wrote: “Christians must not fail to consider the moral implications of surrogacy.”
This is an important conversation that should not be avoided. At some point in time, any Christian wishing to use or benefit from the surrogacy process will have to honestly examine their own intentions and their personal relationship with God.
In this post, we address this simple question with no easy answer. This includes a discussion about the moral and ethical considerations of surrogacy for Christians, what the Bible and scripture say about surrogacy, related issues like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and pregnancy termination, the official stance of the Christian church, and finding a surrogacy agency that matches your values.
Can Christians Use Surrogacy?
The acceptability of surrogacy within Christianity can vary among denominations and individual beliefs. There isn’t a single, unified stance on surrogacy within the Christian faith, and perspectives may differ based on theological, cultural, and personal considerations.
Given the diversity of views within Christianity, it’s advisable for individuals or couples considering surrogacy to engage in open and respectful conversations with their religious leaders and seek spiritual guidance.
However, Christian doctrine is very emphatic about the sanctity of every human life and how children are a gift from God to be cherished, as demonstrated in the following text from scripture: Don’t you see that Children are God’s best gift? The fruit of his womb His generous legacy? Psalms 127:3.
As a result, many Christians ask themselves: If Children are God’s “best gift”, then why not ensure that as many people as possible are able to enjoy this sacred gift? It’s not fair if a loving and upstanding couple can not bear children due to circumstances outside of their control (like infertility). Therefore, it is absolutely possible to be Christian and uphold Christian values while using gestational surrogacy, either as an intended parent or as a surrogate mother.
Ultimately, the most convincing argument for Christians to use surrogacy is utilitarian. It essentially asks Christians to look at the real-world effects of surrogacy for family building rather than abstract analyses that may or may not actually be reflective of God’s plan for them. There are so many reasons to use a surrogate to build a family, which is ultimately the building-block of society and the source of the greatest happiness in life for most people. For example, in the book of Genesis, after God created Adam and Eve he immediately united them as husband and wife. Their marital union then produced children and became the bedrock upon which human civilization was built.
The apostle Paul writes in Hebrews 13:4: Marriage is honorable among all. This clearly shows just how important marriage and family are to the Christian faith. If a loving and stable couple want to bring kids into the world but are unable to due to infertility, why deny them the opportunity to do so? Why deny those kids the opportunity to live in a world of love and happiness?
If gestational surrogacy is removed as a viable strategy for these kinds of couples to build families, it could be argued that people are straying from God’s plan to bring as many cherished children into the world as possible.
What Christians Should Know About Surrogacy & Pregnancy Termination
The intersection of surrogacy and pregnancy termination (commonly known as abortion) within a Christian context involves complex ethical and moral considerations:
- Sanctity of Life. Many Christians believe in the sanctity of human life and may hold pro-life views, emphasizing the inherent value of every human being from conception.
- Abortion and Surrogacy Contracts. When a woman meets all the qualifications and is hired to be a gestational surrogate, she and the intended parents will sign a legally binding contract. The terms vary widely from contract to contract and state to state, but most will include a clause regarding abortion and selective reduction.
- Respect for Life and Dignity. This may involve careful consideration of medical decisions, including those related to potential complications, and a commitment to protecting the well-being of all parties involved.
- Open Communication. Open and honest communication is essential in addressing potential issues related to the pregnancy, including the possibility of an abortion.
- Pastoral Guidance. Christians navigating surrogacy may seek guidance from their faith community, pastors, or spiritual leaders to help them understand the ethical and moral considerations involved. Pastoral counsel can provide insights into how Christian values and teachings intersect with the decisions faced during the surrogacy journey.
- Individual Beliefs and Denominational Variations. Beliefs about abortion and surrogacy can vary among Christian denominations and individual Christians. Some denominations may provide specific guidance on reproductive technologies, while others may leave such decisions to individual conscience.
- Legal Considerations. It’s important to consider the legal aspects related to abortion in the jurisdiction where the surrogacy takes place, especially now that abortion is no longer protected federally.
- Ethical Decision-Making. Christians may approach the decision-making process with a commitment to ethical considerations, emphasizing compassion, justice, and the well-being of all individuals involved.
The entire conversation is nuanced, and individual perspectives may be shaped by a combination of faith, personal convictions, and ethical considerations.
It’s crucial that all contingencies regarding terminating the pregnancy be determined before the process begins. This is precisely why surrogacy contracts often include provisions addressing the possibility of fetal abnormalities or other complications and stipulate the intended parents’ stance on abortion, the surrogate’s autonomy in decision-making, and how such situations will be navigated.
This is crucial because, at the end of the day, no one can force a woman to have an abortion, whether a contract exists or not. This is why the screening process for finding a surrogate mother is so important; it helps the surrogacy agency match potential carriers with intended parents who have the same values and views on pregnancy termination.
Ultimately, this is the easiest way to navigate this issue. The surrogacy agency should put in the work to find intended parents and surrogate mothers who have the same underlying values when it comes to abortion. For example, here at Surrogacy by Faith, we uphold strong Christian values and are one of the only surrogate agencies in the country that does not support fetal reduction and/or pregnancy termination.
What Does The Bible Say About Surrogacy?
Christians may approach the question of surrogacy by examining broader biblical principles that relate to family, fertility, and ethical considerations. Here are some biblical principles that are often considered in discussions about assisted reproductive technologies:
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- Family and Procreation. The importance of children and family is a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative. Couples struggling with infertility may find comfort in stories of infertile women in the Bible who eventually conceive, such as Sarah (Genesis 21) and Hannah (1 Samuel 1).
- Stewardship of the Body. The Bible teaches about the stewardship of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Christians may consider how assisted reproductive technologies, including surrogacy, align with principles of responsible stewardship and ethical treatment of the body.
- Ethical Treatment of Others. Biblical principles of love, justice, and ethical treatment of others should guide decisions related to surrogacy. This includes consideration of the well-being and autonomy of all parties involved, including the surrogate, intended parents, and the child.
- Intent and Motivation. The Bible often emphasizes the importance of motives and intentions. Christians contemplating surrogacy may consider whether their motives align with love, family, and a desire to bring life into the world in a manner consistent with biblical values.
- Dominion Over the Earth. The Bible clearly states that God has delegated dominion over the earth and animals to mankind (Genesis 1:26) and that mankind is responsible for “subduing” the earth (Genesis 1:28). Later, David reinforces this truth: “You made [mankind] rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet” (Psalm 8:6). For many Christians, science and technology are part of this process of subduing and ruling the earth. Therefore it is righteous and good to use assisted reproduction technology and gestational surrogacy to help infertile couples build families.
It’s important to note that different Christian denominations and individual believers may interpret these principles in various ways. Some Christians may find that surrogacy aligns with their understanding of these principles, while others may have reservations based on their interpretation of biblical teachings.
How to Find a Surrogacy Agency That Matches Your Values?
Finding a surrogacy agency that aligns with your values is a crucial step in the surrogacy journey. One may even say it’s the single most important part of the entire process.
Here are some tips to help you find a surrogacy agency that matches your values:
- Define Your Values. Clearly articulate your values and priorities in the surrogacy process. Consider aspects such as ethics, communication, transparency, and the agency’s approach to the surrogate matching process.
- Research Agencies. Conduct thorough research on surrogacy agencies. Look for agencies that have a strong reputation, positive reviews, and a history of successful surrogacy journeys. Consider agencies that have been in operation for a significant amount of time.
- Review Mission Statements and Values. Visit the websites of potential surrogacy agencies and review their mission statements, core values, and guiding principles. Agencies that openly share their values and commitment to ethical practices are often more transparent.
- Check for Industry Memberships. Look for surrogacy agencies that are members of reputable industry organizations, such as the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) or the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Membership in these organizations may indicate a commitment to high ethical standards.
- Interview Agencies. Schedule interviews or consultations with potential surrogacy agencies. Use this opportunity to ask specific questions about their values, ethical practices, and the support they provide to both intended parents and surrogates.
- Ask for References. Request references from past clients who have worked with the agency. Speaking with individuals who have gone through the surrogacy process with a particular agency can provide valuable insights into the agency’s practices and how well they align with your values.
- Inquire About Surrogate Screening and Matching Processes. Ask about the agency’s surrogate screening and matching processes. Inquire about how they assess the values and preferences of both intended parents and surrogates to ensure compatibility.
- Consider Communication and Support. Evaluate the agency’s communication style and the level of support they offer throughout the surrogacy journey. An agency that values open communication, transparency, and ongoing support may align better with your values.
- Assess Legal and Financial Practices. Review the agency’s legal and financial practices. Ensure that they are transparent about costs, fees, and legal procedures. An agency with clear and fair financial practices may better match your values.
- Trust Your Instincts! Trust your instincts and choose an agency that you feel comfortable and confident working with. Your surrogacy agency should be a trusted partner throughout the process.
Remember that finding the right surrogacy agency is a personal decision, and each individual or couple may prioritize different aspects based on their values and preferences. Taking the time to thoroughly research and assess potential agencies can contribute to a positive and aligned surrogacy experience.
Surrogacy by Faith: A Surrogacy Agency with Christian Values
Here at Surrogacy by Faith, we follow a distinct set of Christian principles that determine how we operate and how we assist both intended parents and surrogates through the journey.
We can help match intended parents with the right surrogate, always taking great care to ensure that their values align. This helps avoid complications further down the line. We can also help oversee the drafting and implementation of an equitable surrogacy contract that protects everyone, handle the logistics of surrogate compensation, and guide you every step of the way in your surrogacy journey.
We uphold strong Christian values and are one of the only surrogate agencies in the country that does not support fetal reduction and/or pregnancy termination..
If you’re hoping to become a parent, please complete our initial Inquiry Form. If you’re looking to become a surrogate, make sure you fill out our surrogate inquiry form!