Virgin Births (Parthenogenesis): A Comparison between Buddhist and Scientific Views

Abstract

     At present, scientists have discovered that particular kinds of female animals, such as some types of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and many insects, can reproduce by parthenogenesis. Parthenogenesis is a natural form of asexual reproduction in which growth and development of embryos occur without fertilization by sperm. This form of birth is literally called “virgin Births”. Although in nature we are currently unable to see virgin births in humans and mammals, under laboratory conditions mouse embryos have successfully been created in experiments without using sperm. Besides, it has been found that the oocyte of human beings can sometimes be developed into a human embryo without fertilization by sperm (Parthenote embryo).
     This discovery, reveals a possibility that humans can be conceived without sperm. With the findings of various scientific evidence regarding the reproduction of humans and animals in modern times, parthenogenesis or virgin birth in some types of female animals and parthenote human embryos correspond to the content of the cause of pregnancy called “Virgin Births” in the Vinaya commentary.
     The essential factors of Jalābuja (womb-born creatures) from whatever cause of pregnancy are firstly the organs used in pregnancy or the uterus during endometrium cycle and secondly Patisandhiviññāṇa or Gandhabba (rebirth consciousness) conceived in the mother’s womb. There is some supporting evidence that these statements are consistent with current scientific understanding. Despite the fact that some cases of pregnancy can be created by human technology, such as the creation of a human embryo by external fertilization of the body (In-vitro Fertilization - IVF) and cloning, the created embryo can not develop into a completely formed human being without first moving the embryo into a human womb for implantation into the endometrial lining.