Ref: haz026/08
March 2008
Q: I have just found out that I am pregnant with a child that will be abnormal (Downs Syndrome) I am only 11 weeks i.e approximately 70-80 days. Psychologically I will not be able to care for an abnormal child. Is it permissible for me to terminate this pregnancy. I am so confused and unsure of what direction to take.
Whereas it is best to continue with the pregnancy, especially when the finding of doctors in this regard are not necessarily absolute and have practically been proven wrong in many instances, you are permitted to terminate the pregnancy prior to the expiry of 4 months (120 days) from conception.
Mufti Shafiq Jakhura
Iftaa Department, Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Centre
I concur with the answer:
Mufti Zubair Bayat
Ameer, Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Centre