Healing Body and Soul: Islamic Morality, Practitioner Obligations and Extramarital Pregnancy

Abstract

Extramarital pregnancy is a scarcely explored socio-ethical topic in Muslim countries. Extramarital sexual intercourse is legally prohibited and deemed shameful by conservative Muslim societies. The legal and social implications of an extramarital pregnancy prevent access to care and lead to concealment and/or infant abandonment. This paper argues that the medical community must not become complicit in the criminalization and stigmatization of unmarried pregnant women, but must become a safe and reliable refuge instead. The paper also finds strong Islamic moral commitments that warrant the provision of confidential, non-judgmental care, and encourage compassion and forgiveness over reprimand and punishment.