SURROGACY AND THE CHURCH: A RELIGIO-ETHICAL APPRAISE

Abstract

This paper looks at surrogacy using the religio-ethical model, and provides a Christian theological analysis of the topic with special emphasis on the Anglican tradition. It is therefore the desire of this research to assess surrogacy inasmuch as it is supported by biblical teachings, ethical reasoning, and the church teachings, and in the process examines the issues of the marriage, family and human dignity. The current study uses qualitative research to conduct a review of the theological literature, official Church documents, and current ethical literature to give a detailed evaluation of surrogacy. It derives from the general life of the Anglican Church which has always striven to achieve a middle road; a middle road that is neither too doctrinally rigorous, nor overly sensitively pastoral. It is agreed that surrogacy legitimizes multiple parenthood, injustices towards economically vulnerable women and the sale of human entity. However, most objections regard commercial surrogacy while few Anglican views can approve altruistic surrogacies in cases meeting the principles of compassion, justice, and holding the reverence to human dignity. It is for this reason that the study suggests that the Church should encourage legislation that offers protection to surrogate mothers and the children that are born and come under the care of the intended parent/s; the Church should encourage the adoption of children as a rightful and truly responsible system. Moreover, as society continues to grapple with the moral effects of technological progress and as new types of surrogacy arrangements emerge as possible, more and still more theological reflection and ecumenical conversation are required. This paper seeks to advocate for a vindication of surrogacy that is inclusive of sympathy, but not of complacency, for the Church to balance the scriptural agenda with social justice and welfare of the people of God.