Over 150 scholars and experts from around the world, including international academics, have called for immediate action to regulate Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, sperm and embryo donation, and egg freezing. This call to action came during a landmark conference organized by Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in collaboration with the Centre for Study and Research (CSR) in New Delhi. Experts warned of the unchecked rise of ART technologies, which have become a booming $35 billion industry globally, with a projected increase to $52.84 billion by 2029. These experts emphasized the need for clear ethical and legal guidelines to prevent potential exploitation and ensure the responsible use of ART.
ART is rapidly expanding as more people turn to these technologies to address infertility. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in six people worldwide faces infertility, with 13.4% of women struggling to carry a pregnancy to term. In the U.S., as many as 42% of Americans have either used fertility treatments or know someone who has. Notably, 91,771 IVF babies were born in the U.S. in 2022, with the number of women freezing their eggs rising dramatically from 475 in 2009 to 29,000 in 2022.
In India, often referred to as the “Surrogacy Capital of the World,” around 25,000 babies are born through surrogacy annually, with half of them intended for international couples. This growing industry has raised significant concerns over the exploitation of women and the commercialization of motherhood, which the experts at the conference argue must be addressed through comprehensive regulations.
Understanding ART and its Implications
Dr. Mohammad Rizwan, CSR director and former post-doctoral scientist, explained that ART encompasses various medical procedures beyond IVF and surrogacy, including technologies like ectogenesis (growing embryos in artificial wombs) and social egg freezing (SEF), where women freeze eggs for non-medical reasons, such as career planning. He also highlighted other advancements such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and embryo cryopreservation. These technologies have the potential to fundamentally alter traditional concepts of birth and motherhood, raising complex ethical, social, and religious questions.
Dr. Rizwan urged for a thorough discussion on the implications of ART within religious communities, especially regarding how Islamic law addresses these procedures. He noted that, in Islam, surrogacy is generally prohibited, while some other reproductive technologies like IVF are allowed under specific conditions. The conference also pointed out that other religious communities, such as Hindus and Buddhists, have yet to engage deeply in discussions about regulating ART technologies.
Islamic Perspectives on ART
Dr. Muhammad Raziul Islam Nadwi, Secretary of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Sharia Council, clarified that in Islam, the sperm and egg must come from the married couple, and surrogacy involving third-party sperm, egg, or womb is strictly prohibited. He explained that surrogacy, often termed “womb renting,” is seen as a violation of Islamic principles, particularly because it can lead to confusion of lineages. The use of sperm or egg donors, as well as the practice of using a surrogate mother outside of marriage, is considered haram (forbidden). Dr. Nadwi emphasized that reproductive technologies must align with Islamic values, stressing that exploitation in reproductive tourism, where wealthy individuals travel to poorer countries for surrogacy services, is an issue of growing concern.
Core Objectives and Recommendations from the ART Conference
Dr. Rizwan outlined the core objectives of the ART conference, which focused on addressing ART’s impact on women’s lives, identities, and social roles, particularly in relation to motherhood. Key discussions touched on the commercialization of motherhood, ethical concerns surrounding artificial wombs, and the growing practice of reproductive tourism. The conference concluded with several resolutions, including the call for a cautious approach to surrogacy, IVF, and gamete freezing. While ART was recognized as beneficial for those facing infertility, concerns were raised about the potential exploitation of women and the materialistic use of these technologies.
The conference participants urged the Indian government and international bodies to implement stricter regulations and ethical guidelines for ART clinics, ensuring that policies reflect the values of the community. Dr. Rizwan emphasized that this conference was only the beginning of a larger dialogue on shaping a responsible future for ART, with ongoing discussions planned to explore the broader implications of ART on society.
Looking Ahead
The conference concluded with powerful contributions from international and Indian experts. Dr. Syed Muhsin from Malaysia, Dr. Rohaiza Rokis from the UK, and Dr. Ayesha Alvi provided valuable insights, while Indian academicians like Professor Anindita Majumdar and Professor Amina Tahseen discussed the future of ART regulation in India. The event highlighted the need for global cooperation and regulation in the field of ART to ensure that the industry evolves in an ethical and responsible manner, addressing both the needs of individuals and the broader social implications.
The recommendations from the conference call for an urgent need to regulate ART, ensuring it is used responsibly and ethically, while protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation.
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