Does Islam permits assisted reproductive technologies (ART)?

A large number of couples all over the world are infertile, so they use various technologies to conceive. Are the following technologies halal in Islam?

• Ova and sperm are collected from donors and transferred into the uterus of our partner.
• Test tube baby (IVF).
• Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT).
• AI (Artificial Insemination).

There are many treatments available nowadays for those who are worried about not having children and/or those who are unable to conceive normally. At the same time, there is also a lot of cheating involved in the same. This may lead to a huge collapse in maintaining bloodlines, kinship, and causes family breakdowns, manipulations, and many other social problems.

Islam places great importance on the preservation of bloodlines and family upbringing. All acts that lead to manipulation are forbidden. Hence, these treatments (which involve a third party apart from the husband and wife) are not allowed.

If the husband and wife are aware of all the procedures regarding the treatment, and if they are capable of carrying it out themselves without the support of a third person, then it is allowed.