International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

search-icon

Pregnancy Termination Model for Fetal Anomaly According to Maqasid Shariah

Open access

Siti Khatijah Ismail, Lukman Abdul Mutalib, Zainab Mohd Shafie, Nadhiran Nordin, Rahimah Embong

Pages 1957-1963 Received: 11 Apr, 2023 Revised: 14 May, 2023 Published Online: 16 Jun, 2023

http://dx.doi.org/10.46886/IJARBSS/v13-i6/8994
The procedure of termination of pregnancy in the case of fetal abnormalities has instigated much debate on the aspects of medical and ethical needs as well as shariah (Islamic law). The discussion has led to confusion in deciding whether to perform a TOP. This article aims to analyze those aspects by considering the level of fetus abnormalities to propose a pregnancy termination model to harmonize the emerging conflicts in the aspects mentioned. fetA qualitative approach was adopted, employing document analysis and semi-structured interviews with medical practitioners in obstetrics and gynaecology. The findings have shown that the ruling for termination of pregnancy due to the fetal anomaly is decided based on the types of abnormalities, fetal lifespan, and threats to maternal life. The model for termination of pregnancy management due to fetal abnormalities indicates that a threat to maternal life becomes the core element determining the decision to terminate a pregnancy or vice versa. Forms of abnormalities and fetal lifespan are also considered, demonstrating harmony between medical, ethical, and legal aspects.
Al-Matary, A., and Ali, J. (2014). “Controversies and considerations regarding the termination of pregnancy for foetal anomalies in Islam,” BMC Medical Ethics, vol. 15: 10, pp. 1-10.
JAKIM Fatwa Management Division (Bahagian Pengurusan Fatwa). (2015), Kompilasi Pandangan Hukum Muzakarah Jawatankuasa Fatwa Kebangsaan Bagi Hal Ehwal Ugama Islam, p.110.
Christopher Kaczor. (2015). The ethics of abortion: women's rights, human life, and the question of justice, Routledge Taylor & Francis Group: New York.
Dawid, W., Maciejewska, M., Janik-Fuks, I., Cwiek, D., Zimny, M., & Sipak-Szmigiel, O. (2021). Medical Staff In The Care Of A Pregnant Patient Diagnosed With Fetal Defect. USA: National Library of Medicine 74(1), 17–21.
Fay, V., Thomas, S., & Slade, P. (2016). Maternal-fetal medicine specialists’ experiences of conducting feticide as part of termination of pregnancy: a qualitative study. Prenat Diagn, 36(1):92–9.
Jururawat, K. (2001). cet. ke-18, Selangor: Penerbit Fajar bakti Sdn. Bhd.
Kecir, K. A., Rothenburger, S., Morel, O., Albuisson, E., & Ligier, F. (2021). Experiences of fathers having faced with termination of pregnancy for foetal abnormality. Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction, 50(1).
Khokha, M. K., Mitchell, L. E., & Wallingford, J. B. (2017). An opportunity to address the genetic causes of birth defects. Pediatric Research. Nature Publishing Group.
Malini Mat Napes (Pakar Obstetrik dan Ginekologi, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ), Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia), interview on 23 April 2019.
Nuccetelli, S. (2017). Abortion for fetal defects: two current arguments. Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy, 20(3), 447–450.
Sun, S., Yang, M., Zhang, J., Zhou, X., Jia, G., & Yu, X. (2020). Family Support For Pregnant Women with Foetal Abnormality Requiring Pregnancy Termination in China. Health and Social Care in the Community, 28(3), 1020–1029.
Turlina, L., Ummah, F., & Sulistyowati. (2020). Risk Factors for Premature Rupture of the Membranes. Jurnal Kebidanan Midwiferia, 6(2), 35–43.
World Health Organization (WHO). “Congenital Anomalies,” achieved on 30 Mei 2022, Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/congenital-anomalies#tab=tab_1.