Does the Bible say anything about being a sperm/egg donor?
The concept of sperm and egg donation is fairly new due to advancements in modern medicine. Consequently, the practice is not mentioned directly in the Bible, leaving people to question whether or not it is morally acceptable for a Christian. On one side, people insist sperm/egg donation is a sin because it is trying to create life by human means instead of submitting to God's will. However, others would say that God has provided us with this medicine and wants us to use it.
What God does tell us in His Word is that He is the creator of life (Psalm 139:13–16). This means that regardless of how a woman tries to get pregnant, ultimately God is in control of whether or not a life will be created. God also tells us how we should use our bodies. He wants us to honor Him with our bodies through our actions (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Specifically regarding procreation, God commands men and women to only have sex within the context of a monogamous marriage (Genesis 2:24; Hebrews 13:4). First Corinthians 10:31 says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." It is wise for an individual or couple to seek God's will for them having children so that they can make decisions that align with His plan for them.
One story that gives us some insight into God's thoughts on procreation is that of Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 16—17). God made a covenant with Abraham, "Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations" (Genesis 17:4). He promised to give Abraham and his wife Sarah a son even though they were very old. However, they doubted God and Sarah encouraged Abraham to sleep with her servant Hagar so that he could have a descendant. Although Hagar did have a son with Abraham, it caused conflict between her and Sarah and displeased God because they had not trusted Him to fulfill His promise. This story demonstrates the importance of seeking God's will because He has our best interests in mind and wants to protect us from suffering.
When seeking God's will on this matter, there are some key questions both men and women should ask themselves. Men who want to donate sperm should ask: Who will use my sperm and for what purpose? Will they raise the child in a godly home, free from abuse, and with the support of two parents? What effect will my absence have on the child growing up? Women who want to use donated sperm or donate eggs should ask: Who will use my eggs and for what purpose? Is it ethical for me to put sperm in my body from a man who is not my husband? What effect will my absence have on the child growing up?
Men and women considering any involvement with sperm and egg donation also need to ask: Will the sperm or eggs be used for in-vitro fertilization or stem-cell research? In both of these scenarios it is possible that fertilized will later be destroyed or never used. This use of embryos would be along the same line as abortion and is not acceptable to God.
As with all gray areas in our faith it is important that Christians bring this issue before God in prayer. Couples and individuals should be intentional in researching their options, seeking advice from doctors and family, and praying for a clear answer from God (Colossians 1:9–10). God's answer to one family might be different for another, so it is important to seek God's will for your specific situation and not base your decision on what other people have done.
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