Does the Bible say anything about using or being a surrogate mother?
The Bible does not address the issue of surrogacy as we know it today. Surrogacy can mean a woman is impregnated by artificial insemination with the sperm of a man whose wife cannot become pregnant, or when an already-conceived embryo, created by an egg and sperm from a couple, is carried by another woman through pregnancy.The closest biblical story to surrogacy is when Abraham and Sarah were initially unable to have children after being promised offspring. Abraham was given Sarah's servant, Hagar, to have a child with. This was a normal way to solve the problem of infertility at the time and the story can be found in Genesis 16. In this case, surrogacy caused a great deal of heartache, pain, and confusion. There was strife between Sarah and Hagar and ultimately Hagar and her child were sent away. Today, a similar pain and confusion can be the result of surrogacy. However, many surrogate women and couples who employ them are able to stick with their established and agreed upon roles happily and with contentment.
The Bible says nothing directly about being or using a surrogate mother. In Psalm 127:3 we see that children are a gift to couples and not everyone is blessed with them. Seek God for wisdom (James 1:15) and discern the root of your desire. If using a surrogate is in defiance of God and a way to “get your own way,” that would be sin. If using a surrogate is a way for you as a couple to bring glory to God, then carefully plan and define each person's role going forward and seek God's blessing. All that we do should be done to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
It might be that you don't know how to proceed. That is a good indication to pause. Using a surrogate mother brings a third parent into the family relationship. The Bible defines marriage as between two people and children can be a result of that union (Genesis 1:28, 2:24). We suggest that you are sure, before proceeding, that all questions are answered, each role is defined and agreed to in a legally binding agreement. Above all, pray over the decision. Seek wise counsel from those who know you well. Wait for God's clear direction and then proceed in faith in whatever way He calls.
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Truth about Family
