The Legitimacy of Terminating a Malformed Fetus in Islamic Jurisprudence and Modern Medicine: A Comparative Analytical Study

This study examines the legitimacy of terminating a malformed fetus from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudential principles and modern medicine, in light of advancements in medical diagnostics that enable early detection of fetal anomalies. The research explores the Islamic rulings on abortion by reviewing the opinions of classical and contemporary jurists, as well as decisions from Islamic legal councils, while analyzing the ethical and legal frameworks governing the permissibility of fetal termination according to Islamic jurisprudence. Additionally, it discusses the medical stance on fetal malformations, their impact on maternal and fetal health, and medical advancements that contribute to making early termination decisions. The study concludes that Islamic jurisprudence approaches the issue with caution. Some scholars permit abortion before the ensoulment stage (120 days) in cases of severe congenital anomalies that are deemed fatal, whereas abortion beyond this stage is prohibited except in extreme cases where the mother's life is at serious risk. The research recommends integrating contemporary medical advancements with Islamic jurisprudential reasoning to establish a balanced approach that serves both maternal and fetal interests.