When are abortions permitted?
In Islam most scenarios of abortions are only permitted if the woman has not reached 120 days or 4 months into her pregancy, there is only one exeptions where a woman can get an abortion at any time. The following shows when abortions are permitted.
Permitted if the pregnancy has not reached 120 days:
- Rape
- Incest
Note: Abortions are permitted only until 120 days because it is beleived that the fetus gains its sould after this time period.
Permitted at any time during the pregancy:
- Continuing the pregnancy will put the mothers life in danger
"Allah's Apostle, the true and truly inspired said, (as regards your creation), every one of you is collected in the womb of his mother for the first forty days, and then he becomes a clot for another forty days, and then a piece of flesh for another forty days. Then Allah sends an angel to write four words: He writes his deeds, time of his death, means of his livelihood, and whether he will be wretched or blessed (in religion). Then the soul is breathed into his body."
When are abortions specifically not permitted?
Terminating the pregnancy is not permissible is:
- There is no reason.
- There is a fear that the family cannot provide for the child.
- The pregnancy will dampen the families educational or career passions.
"Kill not your offspring for fear of poverty; it is We who provide for them and for you. Surely, killing them is a great sin."
"Whosoever has spared the life of a soul, it is as though he has spared the life of all people. Whosoever has killed a soul, it is as though he has murdered all of mankind."