Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2012; 3(1):3 

3 
 

 

 

EDITORIAL  

 

 

CHALLENGE OF 21ST CENTURY TO INTEGRATE THE REPRODUCTIVE 

TECHNOLOGIES CONCERNING THE BEGINNING OF HUMAN LIFE  

 

 

Religion is significantly important to understand how the 21st century will integrate the new 

reproductive technologies concerning the beginning of human life. As religious interpretation of 

“creation” has a strong impact on society, therefore, the influence of religion may limit the proper 

ethical incorporation of reproductive technologies.  

 

As for example, according to Hinduism the “self” (atman) is part of the creative force (Brahman) and 

life energy residing in all creation. A person cannot “play God”, because in an ultimate sense of the 

“self” is God. Hindu thinks human animating spirit is present from the fertilization. So the embryo is 

given the status of personhood throughout the pregnancy. Therefore, Hindu thought is concerned with 

moral attitudes toward research on the pre-embryo is exploitation of the vulnerable.  

 

 On the other hand, Islamic Code of Medical Ethics gives the moral status of the human embryo from 

the current fixations of heart beat (14th day after fertilization). Majority scholars say embryo as human 

at the end of the fourth month or around 120 days when self movement of embryo is established. It is 

an important consideration in discussions regarding termination of pregnancy, chorionic villous biopsy 

(in first trimester) and prenatal screening. Further, all Muslim authorities agree that termination of 

pregnancy is justified if the continuation of pregnancy places a mother’s life in danger. Termination for 

any other reason is strongly and consistently discouraged, particularly after ensoulment. However, it 

seems that the use of third party reproduction in Islam is problematic.  According to Islamic 

Jurisprudence (Shari’a Law) procreative and parenting relationships are lawful between valid spouses 

because of designated role-responsibilities, legitimacy, lineage, possible incest and inheritance.  

 

Roman Catholic bans all types of reproductive technologies. Even if among Catholic believers there is 

a wide variety of attitude and ideas about it, showing a complex reality more or less close to the 

Vatican's teachings. In school of Protestant accept the expansion of human freedoms but control over 

human reproduction (Joseph Fletcher). Paul Ramsey thinks risk for compromising humanity and basic 

concepts of human procreation. The Anglican Church is less rigid in its views and has not condemned 

the practice of surrogacy. 

 

Different religions have different notions regarding the beginning of life. It may limit the access of 

benefits of the technology. So it is crucially important for the researchers to incorporate religion in such 

a way that all the people of globe can get benefit from the new reproductive technology.  

 

 

 

Shamima Parvin Lasker 

Professor and Head of Anatomy, City Dental College, Bangladesh 

Associate Editor 

Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics