Is it allowed to due prenatal screening for potential down syndrome? What are some supplications for the health and well-being of one’s soon-to-be-born child?

Question Summary

Is it allowed to do prenatal screening for potential down syndrome? What are some supplications for the health and well-being of one’s soon-to-be-born child?

Question Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

It is your choice as to whether you wish to go through with the prenatal down syndrome screening.

Regardless of the result, the scholars agree that abortion, after 120 days, is strictly prohibited unless there is clear pending harm to the mother and there remains no alternative. [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

Even if the pregnancy is less than 120 days, the majority of scholars still considered abortion strictly prohibited (haram), except in the above scenario. [Ibid.]

Supplications for the Health of One’s Soon to be Born Child

Try to consistently and constantly recite the following supplication. Have full certainty in Allah Most High, while reciting, that He will accept your supplication. Thereafter consign the matter to Allah Most High, in whose control is all affairs.

رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍۢ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا
“Our Lord! Bless us with ˹pious˺ spouses and offspring who will be the joy of our hearts, and make us models for the righteous.” [Qur’an; 25:74]

The Prayer of Need

Perform the prayer of need and recite the du’a of need often.

https://seekersguidance.org/answers/hanafi-fiqh/how-does-one-perform-the-prayer-of-need-salat-al-haja/

Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani