Shiite Perspectives on Kinship and New Reproductive Technologies

Abstract

Lebanon has a thriving and diverse reproductive medical sector: procedures are practised that have aroused much ethical controversy, such as those using donor eggs and sperm. Sunni ulama have reached a broad consensus on these matters, and do not allow donor procedures. However, Shiite opinion remains diverse: some Shiite authorities allow their followers these controversial treatments, but have evolved concomitant rulings that entail surprising new patterns of kinship relations.