Back to search

Is it permissible to abort a fetus after four months of pregnancy if Muslim doctors determine there are probabilities such as fetal death inside the womb, or its birth with deformities, or its attachment to the uterine wall, after exhausting all treatment methods for low amniotic fluid levels, and with concern for the mother's well-being? What is the jurisprudential ruling on this act and its consequences?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Abortion is not permissible after the fetus has formed, unless there is a credible medical report indicating a fear for the mother's life, or the death of the fetus in her womb. Fetal deformity or adherence to the uterine wall without endangering the mother's life does not justify abortion.

If an abortion occurs, those responsible and those who directly carried it out must repent to Allah Almighty. Those who directly carried it out owe the diyah (blood money) of the fetus, which is a ghurrah (a male or female slave), or one-tenth of the diyah of its free mother, to be paid to its heir. The mother has no right to it. Scholars have differed on the obligation of kaffarah (expiation — fasting for two consecutive months) for the woman who aborts. The Shafi'is and Hanbalis consider it obligatory, while the Hanafis and Malikis consider it recommended. It is preferable to fast to avoid disagreement.

However, if the abortion was permissible, then there is no diyah or kaffarah for it.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy