Test Tube Babies and Artificial Insemination: A Review of Contemporary Islamic Law in Animals and Humans

Abstract

The development of modern reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and artificial insemination has presented significant opportunities as well as new challenges in the medical, social, and religious fields. IVF has become a primary solution for couples experiencing infertility, while artificial insemination in animals has become an important strategy for increasing livestock productivity, economic efficiency, and global food security. However, these technologies raise contemporary Islamic jurisprudence issues, particularly regarding the validity of lineage, the legal status of the use of third-party donors, the practice of surrogacy, and its ethical implications in Muslim societies. This study uses a literature review method by examining primary sources in the form of the Qur'an, hadith, and classical Islamic jurisprudence books, as well as secondary sources in the form of official fatwas and contemporary research in the fields of bioethics and reproduction. The analysis is conducted descriptively and analytically with a maqāṣid al-syarī'ah approach to understand the relevance of Islamic law to the dynamics of modern technology. The research results show that the majority of ulama allow the practice of IVF and artificial insemination as long as the sperm, ovum and uterus come from a legal husband and wife couple, because this is in line with the maqāṣid of protecting offspring. On the other hand, the use of sperm donors, ovum donors, or surrogate wombs is declared haram because it has the potential to cause chaos and violate sharia principles. In the context of animals, artificial insemination is considered permissible as long it brings economic benefits and does not cause major harm, according to the rules of al-aṣlu fi al-ashyā' al-ibāḥah. This research emphasizes the importance of contemporary jurisprudence that is adaptive to developments in medical technology and biotechnology, so that it is able to provide normative guidance as well as ethical solutions for Muslims in facing changing times.