Is it permissible to abort one fetus, which is female, out of three fetuses—a male, a female, and a third whose sex has not been determined—given that all the fetuses are in good health, and the reason is the mother's inability to carry three fetuses?
Scholars have differed on the ruling concerning abortion before the ensoulment of the fetus. Some have permitted it in cases of necessity. If doctors determine that there is an anticipated harm to the wife from keeping the third fetus, then there is no objection to adopting the view of those who permitted abortion out of necessity, acting upon the principle that it is permissible to act upon a concession to alleviate hardship.
As for determining which fetus is to be aborted, given that each fetus has a right to life and no religious text specifies one over the other, drawing lots (Qur'a) is the optimal solution when rights are equal and matters are similar. This is due to its permissibility in Islamic law and its role in resolving disputes, as indicated by evidence from the and the action of Yunus (peace be upon him).
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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