Mapping the Islamic Ethical Discourse on Prenatal Diagnosis and Termination of Pregnancy: A Methodological Analysis

Abstract

The development of prenatal diagnosis technologies has created challenging ethical situations and raised complex ethical questions. The hardest among these is the question of whether to continue or terminate pregnancies due to fetal anomalies. This article examines the Islamic methodological approaches that are employed to resolve contemporary issues pertaining to prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy due to fetal anomaly. The objective is, firstly, to understand on which basis the various Islamic views and perspectives have been constructed, and secondly, to assess the rules and principles that Muslim jurists apply to arrive at decisions regarding prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy across the different schools of thought. This helps in identifying the methodological characteristics of contemporary Islamic discourse on prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy, and recognizing existing gaps. This methodological analysis aspires to generate further and richer discussion on how to develop thorough ethical approaches to prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy due to fetal anomaly with the aim of advancing antenatal care for Muslim patients. Key concepts and principles within Islamic theology, law, and ethics are explored.