Is natural childbirth permissible for a pregnant wife if there is a danger to the fetus's life, and is it permissible to compel the wife to undergo a C-section despite her disapproval?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
A Cesarean section is not necessary if a natural birth is possible without danger to the mother or fetus, due to the risks involved in a C-section. However, if two trustworthy doctors state that a natural birth poses a definite danger to the fetus, such as an ectopic pregnancy, then a Cesarean section becomes obligatory to preserve its life. If the danger does not lead to death, then a Cesarean section is permissible but not obligatory. Doctors must exert every effort to ensure the safety of the mother and her fetus, and they should not resort to surgery unless other means are unfeasible.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/23178
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 23178
- 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