What is the ruling on aborting a fetus diagnosed with Beta-thalassemia on the 103rd day of pregnancy, given that doctors have recommended it and stated that the soul is breathed into the fetus after 120 days, and that a delay poses a risk to the mother's life? And is it true that the soul is breathed into the fetus after 120 days?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The sound indicates that the ensoulment of the fetus occurs after 120 days. Abortion is not permissible after ensoulment unless reliable, specialized doctors determine that the fetus's continued presence would cause the mother's death, and after all means to preserve her life have been exhausted. As for before ensoulment, it is permissible to abort the fetus if it is severely malformed and untreatable, and this is confirmed by a report from a medical committee of trustworthy, specialized doctors, and based on the parents' request.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 21585
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy