What Does The Bible Say About Surrogacy?
The Bible does not explicitly address the topic of surrogacy or mention the word surrogacy. However, there are several instances in the Bible that provide guidance on issues related to surrogacy.
So what does the Bible say about surrogacy, the Biblical implication of being a surrogate mother, Christian views on surrogacy, and whether surrogacy is a sin?
For us to understand what God says about surrogacy, we first need to know what surrogacy means. Then we can examine biblical principles and passages that may be relevant to the topic, as the Bible does not directly address the issue of surrogacy.
See also: What Does The Bible Say About Mistreating A Child?
What Is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a medical practice in which a woman carries and gives birth to a child for another person or couple. The child may be conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents' or donors' eggs and sperm or through other means such as artificial insemination.
Surrogacy can be a complicated and emotional process for all parties involved, and different types of surrogacy arrangements vary in terms of legal, ethical, and moral considerations.
What Does The Bible Say About Surrogacy
There are no scriptures in the Bible that talks about surrogacy, however, we are a few instances in the Bible that closely relates to a surrogate practice.
The story of Sarah and Hagar in Genesis 16 is an excellent example of a surrogate practice and its long-term implications. Sarah could not conceive a child, so she suggested that her husband Abraham conceive a child with her servant Hagar.
Hagar became pregnant and gave birth to a son, Ishmael. However, this arrangement led to conflict and jealousy between Sarah and Hagar and Ishmael and Sarah's son Isaac in future generations.
Abraham was married to Sarah, and she was the one to bear the seed for Abraham. However, due to her impatience, Sarah tried to take matters into her own hands rather than waiting on God's timing, leading to unintended consequences still being felt today.
So what Sarah did here was unnatural and against God's intended purpose for marriage, as she unknowingly tried to play god.
Examples Of Surrogacy In The Bible
The Bible does not provide any direct examples of surrogacy as a practice. However, there are a few instances in which some women in the Bible who could not conceive turned to unconventional means to become mothers.
Sarah and Hagar
Genesis 16:1-16 - "Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her."
Rachael and Bilhah
Genesis 30:1-24 - "And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb? And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her."
Conclusion
It is worth noting that these examples do not necessarily endorse surrogacy as a practice but rather serve as cautionary tales about the potential consequences of pursuing parenthood through unconventional means, rather than seeking God in prayer to open your womb or heal your husband.
If, for any medical reasons, you cannot conceive and bear a child of your own, then there is nothing wrong with adopting a needy child.
Prayer For The Fruit Of The Womb
Heavenly Father, I come before you with a humble heart and ask for your blessings upon my life. Lord, I pray that you would heal my womb of anything that may be hindering conception and also heal any issues that my husband may have.
I trust in your power to heal and restore, and I pray that you will bless us with the gift of a child according to your perfect will. Help us to trust in your timing and plan for our lives and to find comfort in your love and grace during this time of waiting.
Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer and for your unfailing love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
What does the Bible say about IVF?
When God created Adam and Eve, He blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it." So God gave man and woman the ability to reproduce and give birth to new life through conception.
However, the use of IVF treatment goes against this; it is unnatural and involves the manipulation of human embryos. In the old days, children were viewed as a gift from God and conceived through natural means.
While IVF may be a means to help couples struggling with infertility, it raises ethical questions about the value of human life and the sanctity of conception.
As Christians, we are called to seek wisdom and discernment when making decisions about medical treatments and to consider the implications of their choices on the sanctity of life.
Who was the first surrogate mother in the UK?
The first surrogate mother in the UK was Elizabeth Kane, who in 1985 carried a child for her daughter, who had a hysterectomy at a young age and was unable to carry a pregnancy. The baby was conceived using the daughter's eggs and her husband's sperm and was carried to term by Elizabeth Kane.
The case sparked controversy and legal battles surrounding surrogacy in the UK, leading to the Surrogacy Arrangements Act of 1985 which regulated surrogacy arrangements in the country.
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