Perspectives of African Traditional Religion on assisted reproductive technologies

Abstract

Practical findings indicate the prevalence of infertility in Nigeria and other parts of the world. However, efforts of reproduction technologies to circumvent some natural disorder through practices such as sperm sorting for sex selection, selection of offspring with desirable traits, cloning and in vitro fertilization (IVF) and provide remedies for infertile couples meet with socio-religious challenges. This study used qualitative research method to find out the position of African Traditional Religion (ATR) in Taraba State, Nigeria regarding some of the practices of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). The study interviewed twenty adherents of ATR. It also made use of extent literature and  material from the internet as sources of data collection.   Key findings of  the research bothered on the classification of certain practices like collection of sperm and eggs for IVF as taboo among ATR adherents in the state.  Relatedly also is the stimatisation of couples that engage in ART as an alternative means of procreation. It was therefore recommended that adherents of ATR should be properly educated on the practices of ART and vice versa.