Resolution of the Islamic Fiqh Council on the Question of Terminating a Congenitally Malformed Fetus

Praise belongs to Allah alone. May blessings and peace be upon the one after whom there is no prophet, our master and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and upon his family and Companions.

To proceed:
At its twelfth session, convened in Mecca from Saturday 15 Rajab 1410 AH (10 February 1990 CE) to Saturday 22 Rajab 1410 AH (17 February 1990 CE), the Islamic Fiqh Council of the Muslim World League examined this matter. After discussion among the Honourable Council members and consultation with the specialist physicians invited for this purpose, the Council resolved by majority vote as follows:

– If the pregnancy has reached one hundred and twenty days, it is not permissible to terminate it—even when medical diagnosis indicates a fetal deformity—unless a report by a committee of trustworthy specialist physicians establishes that continuing the pregnancy poses a danger to the mother’s life. In that case abortion is permitted, whether or not the fetus is deformed, in order to ward off the greater of the two harms.

– Before the completion of one hundred and twenty days, if a committee of reliable specialist physicians—using the best available diagnostic equipment and methods—confirms with certainty that the fetus is severely deformed, incurable, and that, were it carried to term, its life would be one of profound suffering for both itself and its family, abortion is permissible at the parents’ request. In adopting this ruling, the Council advises both physicians and parents to fear Allah and to verify the matter with utmost care.

Allah is the Grantor of success. May abundant blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad, his family, and his Companions. Praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all worlds.