Abstract

In the Orthodox Church, procreation is seen not only as a human activity aimed at extending of the genre, but also as a gift of God, who is the absolute and sole ruler of human life. From the Christian point of view, the understanding of procreation requires reference to the sacrament of marriage. In the framework of a sacramental marriage, which is monogamous, heterosexual and blessed in the Church sexual drive is transformed. The conception and generation of offspring is the fruit of the love of both parents. The beginning of the existence of the soul and the body of every human person is carried out simultaneously. Numerous testimonies from the canonical, liturgical and patristic tradition of Eastern Christianity prove that from the first centuries abortion was treated as a murder and a grave sin requiring long-lasting penance. Nowadays, the Orthodox Church takes up challenges related to the development of assisted reproductive technology. In the official Orthodox documents, it is emphasized that making decision on the use of assisted procreation  should take into account both doctrinal teaching and the existential situation of a particular marriage couple. Specific recommendations apply to in vitro fertilization. Orthodox bioethicists speak against the use of cloning techniques and experiments with human germ cells.