Abortion laws: from the viewpoint of Islam

Background: Abortion is one of the most complex problems of medicine, ethics and law. The aim of this research was to study Islam s view on abortion.Methods: In a systematic survey of the databases PubMed, Elsevier, Ovid, Clinical key, SID, IranMedex and related texts from 2005 to the present, the relevant articles were extracted and analyzed.Result: There are four ethical approaches toward abortion. Conservative approach: counts abortion as murder and immoral. Liberal approach: emphasizes on women s freedom and considers mother to have the right to choose abortion as a private affair. Moderate approach: according to the growth of the fetus, considers abortion a personal choice till a specified time and then an immoral practice. Feminist approach: in some cases, with the vast persuasion and differs with results of the three approaches. But, Islam prohibits abortion in any case except in certain cases such as the death of the fetus, the risk of maternal death, injury risk to maternal health.Conclusion: From the viewpoint of Islam, abortion is absolutely prohibited except in cases of exceptions. With regard to these standards, we can reduce parent’s confusion and help them to do the right thing.

Keywords:

Islamic law , Religion , Abortion