May Allah´s peace and blessings be upon you. I am a Muslim German woman, who is currently 3 months pregnant. They usually advise women, who get pregnant after 35 years to have an amniotic fluid examination, because the risk of having an abnormal baby or a baby with genetic diseases increases with increased mother´s age. In case the examination shows an abnormality, they recommend an abortion. These examinations are performed before the 20th weak of pregnancy, i.e. before the fetus moves. What is the Islamic advise in this case? Please, advise me and may Allah grants you all his blessings. Your sister in islam R. J. A.

Assalamu `alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

All praise be to Allah, and may his peace and blessings be on the last and best prophet and messenger, Muhammad.

 

Abortion is extremely forbidden in Islam after the end of the fourth month (120 days) without exception other than the pregnancy being dangerous to the life of the pregnant woman. In this case abortion would certainly be allowable.

Before 120 days, it is less prohibited, so the exceptions would include – besides the danger to the pregnant woman – severe abnormality incompatible with a dignified life, and proven to exist without any doubt. Such abnormalities do not include the loss of one of the senses or limbs or similar conditions.

 

Allah knows best.
 
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