For a long period of time, there was uncertainty around whether or not egg freezing was lawful (halal) according to Islamic law. Recently, there has been speculation about the rising rate of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to preserve fertility in the face of the “biological clock.”
Indeed, freezing eggs is allowed in Islam but with conditions. Islam allows you to secure your future for medical reasons with certain applicable conditions. In fact, it encourages women, single or married to secure their reproductive future. Islam protects you by securing the identity of the offspring from that egg by limiting the usage of egg to a married couple.
The conditions are necessary because lineage in Islam is sacred; the identity of a child matters. Many scholars have encouraged securing the future by trusting Allah with given options within limitations. The conditions provided in Dar Al Ifta Fatwa are:
- Eggs must be fertilized by the sperms of the husband while the couple is married, and not after the marriage is over, such as in cases of divorce, or death;
- Fertilized eggs must be kept completely safe and under strict control, preventing intentional or inadvertent mixing with other preserved eggs;
- A fertilized egg must not be placed inside the womb of a woman who did not originally produce the egg, and eggs may not be donated;
- Egg freezing must not pose negative side effects on the fetus due to the impact of the various factors that they may be exposed to during the process, such as those that could induce birth defects or mental retardation later.
Following the regulations directed by scholars preaching Islam doesn’t restrict women from preparing for ahead. Thinking responsibly and acting wisely is respected by Islam. Being considerate of the fact that Islam provides limitation to protect mental, physical and social aspects of individuals.
