Counsel #6 — The Double-Edge Sword Of A.R.T.

Picture: Counsel #6 — The Double-Edge Sword Of A.R.T.CSe 108.1

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have undoubtedly revolutionized the field of medicine, offering hope to countless couples struggling with infertility. However, as with any technological advancement, ART raises profound ethical and theological questions, particularly regarding the potential for creating non-traditional family configurations, such as single parent families, same-gender parents, and families with multiple parents.CSe 108.2

From a Christian perspective, the family is a divinely ordained institution, designed to reflect the love and unity of the Trinity. While Scripture does not explicitly address the complexities of modern reproductive technologies, it does provide foundational principles for understanding marriage, procreation, and family. For example, Genesis 1:27, 28 emphasizes the importance of marriage as a union between one man and one woman, and the biblical mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" has traditionally been understood within the context of heterosexual marriage.CSe 108.3

While technologies such as ART offer hope to many, they also raise ethical concerns about the sanctity of life, the nature of human identity, and the role of God in the process of creation. These challenges require thoughtful dialogue and prayerful discernment.^{[108]https://family.adventist.org/people/couples/assisted-human-reproduction-considerations/}CSe 108.4

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you.” Jeremiah 1:5 NKJVCSe 108.5

“[God] ordained that men and women should be united in holy wedlock, to rear families whose members, crowned with honor, should be recognized as members of the family above.’ Ellen White in The Adventist Home, p. 99CSe 108.6

Reflect: How do your Christian beliefs about marriage, family, and human sexuality influence your views on ART?CSe 108.7