Abortion of physically deformed foetus

Praise be to
Allaah.

There are many causes of deformity of the
foetus, many of which could be avoided; one could protect oneself from
them or reduce their effects. Islam and medicine both urge people to
avoid the causes of disease and to protect themselves against it as
much as possible. The teachings of Islam urge us to protect our health
and to protect the foetus from many diseases which are caused by ignoring
the teachings of Islam and falling into sin such as zinaa (unlawful
sexual relationships), drinking alcohol, smoking, and taking drugs.
Modern medicine also warns mothers of the imminent danger of taking
some medications, or being exposed to x-rays or gamma rays, especially
in the early days of pregnancy. 

If it is proven in a definitive fashion, beyond
any doubt, by a trustworthy medical committee, that the foetus is deformed,
and that this deformity cannot be treated by the specialists, then in
my view it is permissible to abort it, in view of the difficulties it
would face in life and the hardship this would present to the parents,
and the burdens and responsibilities of care it would place on the society.
These considerations and others prompted the Islamic Fiqh Committee
of the Muslim World League in its 12^th conference held in
Makkah on 15 Rajab 1410 AH (10/2/1990 CE), to issue the statement that
“it is permissible to abort a foetus which is deformed in the manner
mentioned above, with the consent of the parents and within the first
120 days from the beginning of the pregnancy.” 

The decision of the committee was in accordance
with the fatwa of the Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing
Fatwas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, no. 2484, issued on 16/7/1399
AH. 

But if the soul has been breathed into the
foetus and it has completed 120 days, then it is not permissible to
abort it, no matter what the deformity, unless continuation of the pregnancy
would put the mother’s life in danger. This is because after the soul
has been breathed into the foetus, it is considered to be a person who
must be protected, regardless of whether it is free of disease or not,
and regardless of whether there is hope of recovery or not. That is
because Allaah has a reason for everything that He creates, which many
people do not know, and He knows best what is right for His creation,
as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Should not He Who has created know?
And He is the Most Kind and Courteous (to His slaves), All Aware (of
everything).

[al-Mulk 67:14] 

In the birth of these deformed children there
is a lesson for those who are of sound health, and it teaches us of
the power of Allaah Who shows His creation the manifestations of His
might and the wonders that He has created. Killing and aborting them
is a purely materialistic view which pays no attention to matters of
religion and morals. Perhaps the existence of these deformities will
make people more humble and submissive towards their Lord, and make
them bear them with patience, seeking a great reward from Him. 

Physical deformity is something that Allaah
has decreed for some of His slaves. Whoever bears that with patience
will attain victory. This is something that happens and has always happened
throughout history, but unfortunately studies indicate that the rate
of physical deformity is increasing, as the result of pollution of the
environment and the increase of harmful rays in the atmosphere, which
was previously unknown. 

It is by the mercy of Allaah that many deformed
foetuses are miscarried or die before they are born. 

The Muslim woman and the Muslim family must bear with patience
whatever happens to them, and seek the reward for that with Allaah.
And Allaah knows best.