Is it permissible for a woman who takes Abilify 5mg daily to treat bipolar disorder to have children, knowing that the medication may cause fetal deformities?
Reproductive health is part of the objectives of Sharia and its general rules, which encourage the preservation of life and the prevention of harm. If trustworthy doctors state that taking a certain medication during pregnancy could lead to fetal deformities, then pregnancy must be avoided, because the fetus has a right to a healthy life. For the sake of this right, scholars have issued fatwas permitting abortion of a malformed fetus before 120 days, and permitting medical intervention to determine the sex of the fetus if there is a strong probability of deformities occurring in one of the sexes. However, if the occurrence of deformity is merely a weak possibility, there is no harm in conceiving, while relying on Allah and taking medical precautions.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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