A lot of religious opinions on subjects such as these are formed on a basis of what is good and what is evil, however when talking about topics as broad and varied as medical science it is almost impossible to categorize things into what is “good and evil” as most of the issues that are involved are or can be used for both good and evil. For example the testing that is done on embryos can be used to curb the suffering of others; and yet it can be abused and trivialised like much other experimentation on living things.
A Christian may argue that bringing happiness to people is very important. Another strong theme, especially in Catholicism is “bringing new life” and that that is important. That Catholic Church is however quick to point out their doubts over issues like fertility treatment. They object the anonymity of the donors as they feel it is very close to adultery (a theme resonant in Islam) They also object about things done which can inadvertently (in their opinion) cause pain for example they argue that fertility treatment shouldn’t be offered to are not married, homosexual or passed child bearing age. (Once again resonant in Islam) They think that this could cause potential suffering to a child.
An issue that the Catholic Church also raises is the one of “gods plan for people” and on their ability to have or not to have children. The thing which I do not understand is the way the Catholics are keen for all sex to be in marriage and for all sex to be in the interest of having children, (and lots of them) and that abortion is so wrong and yet they potentially deny thousands of lives by disagreeing with fertility treatment.
Islam takes the line of Allah’s plan with these issues as well only the difference is it tends to draw the line of the other side of fertility treatment. It says that Allah has given the couple the chance to bear children and they should take it. I think that this is the correct way to view situations like this and I think that the Catholic Church is guilty of hypocrisy in their views because ultimately not helping people with things like infertility benefits no one.
Islam is however wary about things like embryo research as they say it is playing God, unlike the Church of England who feels that it can be justified. I think that there is a strong case for not wanting to “play God” and that there are things that human beings as a race would be better off leaving alone, things which are close to the issues discussed here, for example genetic engineering and cloning.
In conclusion I think that it is important to remember that of all of the gifts that God has given us the one that is generally regarded as the best is free will, and I think that it is important to exercise that free will and to make decisions for our selves based around what can help others. So if science allows people to have children how can that be a bad thing? And if science can provide cures to things like motor neurone disease then why not? Because unless God points us in another direction we must assume that his plan was for us to make up our own minds.
