Hannah’s desperate prayer in the temple speaks to countless Christian couples today. “O Lord Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant…” (1 Samuel 1:11). Like Hannah, many believers face the heart-wrenching journey of infertility, and with modern medical advances, surrogacy presents itself as a possible path to parenthood. But how do we evaluate this option through the lens of Scripture and sound doctrine?

Surrogacy Options Available Today

Surrogacy today comes in two primary forms. Gestational surrogacy involves implanting an embryo created from the intended parents’ genetic material into a surrogate mother. Traditional surrogacy uses the surrogate’s own egg, making her the biological mother. The landscape of assisted reproduction has evolved dramatically, with gestational surrogacy becoming increasingly common among affluent Christian couples seeking to build their families.

Biblical Principles at the Heart of the Matter

At the core of the discussion lies God’s sovereignty in creation. Scripture clearly teaches us God is the author of life, knitting each person together in the womb (Psalm 139:13-14). This foundational truth requires us to approach any reproductive technology with reverence and careful consideration. Remember, while medical advancement is a gift from God, not everything technically possible is necessarily spiritually beneficial or morally right.

The sanctity of marriage as a one-flesh union (Genesis 2:24) provides another crucial framework for evaluation. God designed procreation to flow from the intimate union of husband and wife. This raises important questions about the involvement of third parties in the reproductive process, even when motivated by compassionate intentions.

Learning from Biblical Precedents

Scripture provides several accounts of alternative paths to parenthood, most notably the story of Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16). While Sarah’s decision to give her servant Hagar to Abraham resulted in the birth of Ishmael, the narrative clearly portrays this as a failure to trust God’s promises rather than a model to follow. Similar accounts of Rachel and Bilhah, and Leah and Zilpah, demonstrate human attempts to force God’s hand rather than wait on His timing.

However, we must be careful not to draw overly simplistic conclusions from these narratives. These accounts occurred within a specific historical and covenantal context, before the full revelation of God’s redemptive plan in Christ.

Ethical Considerations for Believers Today

Medical and scientific aspects of surrogacy require careful ethical evaluation. The creation and potential preservation of multiple embryos raises questions about the sanctity of human life at its earliest stages. Christians must wrestle with questions about the moral status of embryos and appropriate stewardship of reproductive technology.

The relational dynamics of surrogacy also warrant careful consideration. How might the involvement of a surrogate impact the one-flesh union of marriage? What are the spiritual and emotional implications for all parties involved? These questions require careful thought and prayer.

Practical Wisdom for Modern Families

As believers consider surrogacy, several alternative pathways deserve prayerful consideration. Adoption, in particular, reflects the gospel’s picture of our own adoption into God’s family (Ephesians 1:5). Some couples might be called to embrace childlessness as an opportunity for unique ministry and service in God’s kingdom.

Whatever path couples choose, the decision should flow from a position of submission to God’s sovereignty rather than a desperate grasp for control. As the prophet Isaiah reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8).

Conclusion

While Scripture doesn’t directly address modern surrogacy, it provides principles that can guide our thinking. Each couple must prayerfully evaluate their motivations, circumstances, and convictions through the lens of Scripture. Above all, we shall do well to remember our ultimate identity and fulfillment come not from parenthood but from our relationship with Christ.

As we wrestle with these complex decisions, may we hold fast to the truth that God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Whether through natural conception, adoption, surrogacy, or childlessness, our calling remains the same: to glorify God and trust in His perfect plan for our lives.

Practical Steps for Consideration

• Seek wisdom from God through scripture reading and surrender in prayer
• Seek counsel of mature believers who’ve faced similar struggles
• Examine heart motives and surrender to God’s will
• Consider all family-building options through a biblical lens
• Remember, God’s grace covers our decisions when made in faith

 

Is Surrogacy Biblical?—Related FAQs

If God is sovereign over infertility, isn’t pursuing surrogacy showing lack of faith? God’s sovereignty and human responsibility work together mysteriously in His providence. Just as we seek medical treatment for other health conditions while trusting God’s ultimate control, pursuing ethical medical interventions for infertility can be an appropriate exercise of the dominion mandate and stewardship of available resources. The key lies not in whether we seek treatment, but in maintaining a heart of submission to God’s will throughout the process.

• What about the financial cost of surrogacy—isn’t it poor stewardship of resources that could be used for kingdom work? All resources ultimately belong to God, and He entrusts us to use them wisely for His glory. While surrogacy’s significant cost requires careful consideration, we must remember building families and raising godly offspring is itself kingdom work. The question isn’t whether the expense is justified, but whether God is specifically calling and enabling your family to use resources in this way. After all, we’re to recognise He may lead different families to different choices.
• How should we view selective reduction if multiple embryos implant successfully? Since human life begins at conception, selective reduction poses serious ethical concerns as it involves deliberately ending the life of image-bearers of God. The doctrine of God’s sovereignty over life and death compels us to protect all human life, regardless of its stage of development. This is why it’s crucial to make decisions about embryo creation and implantation with great wisdom and forethought, working with medical professionals who share these ethical concerns.

Does using a surrogate mother violate the ‘one flesh’ union of marriage? The one-flesh union speaks primarily to the covenantal and physical unity of husband and wife, not exclusively to biological reproduction. A gestational carrier carrying a child conceived from the married couple’s genetic material does not violate the marriage covenant in the same way that adultery or traditional surrogacy might. However, couples may carefully consider how their specific surrogacy arrangement aligns with their understanding of biblical marriage.

• What if our desire for biological children has become an idol? Any good desire, including parenthood, can become an idol when it supersedes our trust in and satisfaction with God. The test often lies in our response to God’s “no” or “wait”—are we willing to submit to His wisdom and timing? Regular heart examination, counsel from spiritual leaders, and constant reinforcement of our identity in Christ rather than in parenthood are essential safeguards.
• How do we honour God if the surrogacy process fails? God’s goodness and wisdom aren’t dependent on our desired outcomes. Failed surrogacy attempts, while deeply painful, can be opportunities to demonstrate that our faith rests in God’s character rather than in His gifts. Just as Job praised God in loss, we can trust that God is working all things – including our disappointments—for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

What obligations do we have toward the surrogate mother from a biblical perspective? While surrogacy contracts handle legal obligations, Christian couples have additional ethical obligations rooted in biblical principles of justice, compassion, and human dignity. This includes ensuring fair compensation, providing excellent medical care, treating her with respect as an image-bearer of God, and maintaining appropriate boundaries that honour everyone’s marriages. The relationship should reflect Christ’s love and care while maintaining appropriate professional and emotional boundaries.

 

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