A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF NIGERIAN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES ON IN VITRO FERTILIZATION ETHICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL IMPLICATIONS IN SELECTED DENOMINATIONS

Abstract

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), a groundbreaking advancement in assisted reproductive technology has ignited intricate theological, ethical, and cultural debates, particularly within the pluralistic denominational framework of Nigerian Christianity. This study critically examines the theological stances, ethical implications, and cultural intersections shaping denominational perspectives on IVF, focusing on the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Pentecostal fellowships, and African Instituted Churches. This research adopts a qualitative approach with a comparative analysis design to explore Nigerian Christian perspectives on theological issues related to fertility, reproduction, and infertility. The findings highlight the Catholic Church's adherence to natural law, underscoring the sanctity of life and rejecting artificial reproductive interventions. At the same time, Pentecostal and African Instituted Churches exhibit a more conditional acceptance influenced by scriptural interpretations and contextual cultural values. Ethical dilemmas, such as the moral status of embryos, the sanctity of life, and the exploitation of reproduction, intersect with cultural imperatives surrounding lineage and fertility, creating multifaceted tensions. The study advocates for developing coherent theological frameworks, enhancing pastoral care practices, and integrating culturally informed educational programmes within Nigerian Christianity to navigate IVF's ethical and theological complexities. By elucidating the interplay of faith, ethics, and contemporary reproductive technologies, this research contributes to global theological discourse. It provides actionable insights for clergy, theologians, and faith communities addressing infertility and its related ethical challenges.