Abortion on Medical Advice and the Sanctity of Innocent Life
Authored by: Saudi Fatwa Committee (Lajnah al-Dā'imah)
❖ Question:
A woman gave birth to a child who was complete in form, but his body lacked bones. He survived only a few moments after birth and then passed away. She became pregnant again and is currently admitted to an American hospital. After performing numerous tests and ultrasounds, the doctors concluded that this current fetus—although alive in the womb—is also likely to be like the previous child (i.e., born without bones).
The doctors advised the woman's guardians to have the fetus aborted. They reasoned that through medical examination of the fetus, they might discover the underlying causes behind the bone deficiency in her children. The American physician in charge has issued a report stating that the child will be deformed, disfigured, and born without bones, and that his chances of survival post-birth are extremely slim. Based on this, he strongly recommended abortion.
My opinion was to let the pregnancy continue and opt for normal delivery instead of abortion. However, the woman is from Saudi Arabia and intends to return home. Extending her stay in the USA for another four months poses serious financial and psychological challenges. She fears that during travel, the fetus may be aborted in a location where necessary tests cannot be conducted. Therefore, the doctors are recommending early abortion.
I kindly request a prompt response, along with scholarly insight or prior juristic discussions on similar cases. May Allah grant you the ability to pursue all that He loves and is pleased with.
❖ Answer:
It is not permissible to abort this fetus merely based on the doctors’ assumption that the child will be born without bones. The foundational principle in such cases is that it is forbidden (ḥarām) to unjustly take an innocent life.
Wa bi-llāhi al-tawfīq (And success is from Allah).
