In this book exposing the motivations, inner workings, and outcome of the "Nobel Prize Sperm Bank," David Plotz says it without saying it: artificial insemination by donor (AID) is bad for marriages and families. He probably wouldn't want to be taken as being so moralistic, but nevertheless that assessment comes through loud and clear. At least, there isn't much here to recommend the practice.
Plotz diligently and with humor handles the history of the bank, which operated in the 1980s and 90s. He explores its eugenic and paternalistic roots, and its sometimes ridiculous recruitment practices. And he discusses differences between early practices of AID and its current form. One thing hasn't changed. Then, as now, AID is largely unregulated.
The author is sensitive to the human dramas that unfold as families grapple with the implications of AID: Do we tell a child his dad isn't really his father? When? How? Beyond his genetic contribution, what is the donor's role in the family? What should it be? What is a father?
Most profound are questions concerning how much of a child's makeup and destiny is accounted for from "nature," and how much nurture? What unspoken and yet heavily felt pressures are placed on a child who's "father" was chosen out of a catalog listing height, weight, hair color, eye color, IQ, and accomplishments?
This book was not written with Christian sensibilities in mind. Some content is "mature," and yet it can reinforce our values. Plotz doesn't examine why artificial insemination can work well and be appropriate in animal husbandry but not in human culture. Although he refers to his Jewish upbringing, its sanctity of human life ethic didn't sink in for him.
What can be said about AID in relation to biblical teaching? Here are a few thoughts:
Some look to animals for clues about human sexuality. They believe "what works for them can work for us," forgetting we're not animals. Human beings are made in God's image, a basic distinction. What are the implications?
- Animal species may mate with multiple partners. Some reproduce asexually. Some switch genders in the course of development. Some attempt to mate with the same sex. Do we take that as a cue? Are any of these behaviors a pattern for us? No, in light of numerous passages throughout the Bible: Genesis 2:22-24; 19; Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 18:6-24, 20:10-21; Numbers 25:1-9; Deuteronomy 22:13-30; 1 Kings 22:46; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 6:9-20, 10:8; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-5; 2 Thessalonians 4:1-7; 1 Timothy 1:9-10; Hebrews 13:4; Jude 7; Revelation 21:8.
- Animals reproduce; we procreate. What's the difference? Procreation recognizes God's involvement in human generation.
- When God created animals, he did not specify they would be male and female, just that they would reproduce "after their kind." Humans procreate after God's kind.
- Animals are amoral, and their behaviors are instinctual. We have choices, and the Bible defines our choices as moral or immoral, good or evil. See scripture references above.
- Patterning our lives after animals is dangerous. It's an idea that flows from an evolutionary mindset.
We can conclude that whatever way animals reproduce -- including through AI -- is not necessarily for us.
We have plenty of information about marriage, sex, and family life in God's word to guide us into truth. Now, thanks to David Plotz, we have the wisdom of experience and history as well. --Michele Shoun
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