Religious attitudes to gamete donation

Abstract Religious teachings encourage fertility. The rapid progress of reproductive science has proved a challenge to interpret and adapt to assisted reproductive techniques which were not even dreamed of in ancient scriptures. The clash between religion and science has produced separate laws for each religion and reproductive practitioners are often at a loss to understand and accept them. Four lay members of different religions have set out the thinking of their religion regarding assisted reproductive techniques, concentrating in particular on gamete donation. Similarities rather than differences seem to dominate in the attitudes of the orthodox Catholic, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim beliefs and doctrines. The knowledge of these various religious beliefs and attitudes, as well as promoting a greater understanding, should help reproductive practitioners to accept and abide by the religious wishes of their patients.