Frozen Embryos
Question
This question is about frozen embryos. We conceived our twins through IVF after seventeen years of losing pregnancies and then struggling to conceive. We now have four embryos in storage having had the twins four years ago. Due to age and health reasons, we are not in a position to use our frozen embryos. For the past four years, we have paid to store them at the hospital. However, as we are not in a position to use the embryos, we would like some guidance on how to dispose of the embryos. We are aware that Islamically we are no permitted to donate them to another couple. Are we permitted to hand over the embryos to the hospital to allow the hospital to use them for clinical research purposes? If this is not permitted, should we bury them and if so, can they be buried anywhere or does it have to be in a formal cemetery?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Answer
Allah Almighty bless you and your family and reward you for your concern. The frozen embryos should be buried. A separate grave is not required. They can be buried in any other grave or indeed anywhere else. Any regulations in this regard should be followed.
قال الله تعالى: ولقد كرمنا بني آدم. وقال المرغيناني في الهداية (٣/٤٦): الآدمي مكرم لا مبتذل فلا يجوز أن يكون شيء من أجزائه مهانا ومبتذلا، انتهى۔
Allah knows best
Yusuf Shabbir
18 Muḥarram 1445 / 5 August 2023
Approved by: Mufti Shabbir Ahmed and Mufti Muhammad Tahir
