Shiites believe that life begins at conception. They hold this belief based on their understanding of sacred texts such as the Quran, which teaches that "We created man from an extract of clay." This means that human life is special and should be protected from the moment it begins to form.
They also recognize that there may be circumstances where abortion is necessary for the safety of the mother. In Islamic law, the life of the mother takes precedence over that of the fetus. If the mother's life is at risk due to pregnancy complications, Shiites view abortion as permissible. But what about cases where the mother's health is not at stake? How do Shiite perspectives on abortion reconcile ethical responsibility, personal autonomy, and religious duty? And how do these perspectives influence marital and family dynamics?
Ethical Responsibility
One way Shiites reconcile ethical responsibility is through the concept of taqiyya, or self-preservation. Taqiyya allows a Muslim to conceal their true beliefs if doing so prevents them from being persecuted by non-Muslims.
If a woman were threatened with death if she did not have an abortion against her will, some Shiites would argue that it is permissible under the principle of taqiyya. This view is controversial among Shiites, but it highlights the importance of preserving life in any way possible.
Personal Autonomy
Some Shiites believe that women should have control over their bodies and reproductive choices. They argue that God has given us free will and that we must exercise this right responsibly. Women who choose abortion are not condemned for making a moral decision based on their circumstances.
They also recognize that every human life is sacred, and the decision to end one should be made carefully and prayerfully.
Religious Duty
Shiites understand that God has created all life and therefore views each life as precious. Abortion is seen as a violation of this divine order, which is why some believe it is never permissible. Others see abortion as necessary in cases where the mother's health is at risk and use scripture like "We decreed upon the soul that he shall not die until his appointed time" (Quran 32:10) to support this position. But these passages must be interpreted within the context of Islamic law, which recognizes the sanctity of human life while allowing for exceptions in certain situations.
Marital Dynamics
Abortion can strain marriages by pitting husband against wife or family members against each other. Some couples may feel divided about whether to continue with an unwanted pregnancy or have an abortion. Some families may pressure a woman into having an abortion even if she does not want one. In cases where abortion is permitted, both partners need to work together to ensure the safety of the mother and any children already born. This includes discussing the emotional and spiritual impact of such decisions beforehand.
Shiite perspectives on abortion reconcile ethical responsibility, personal autonomy, and religious duty through careful consideration of each case. While there are differing opinions on when abortion is acceptable, most Shiites agree that every human life is sacred and should be treated with respect. Marital dynamics can be affected by this decision, so couples should communicate openly and prayerfully about their options.
How did Shiite perspectives on abortion reconcile ethical responsibility, personal autonomy, and religious duty, and how did these perspectives influence marital and family dynamics?
One of the primary sources for understanding Shi'a perspectives on abortion is the Quran, which states that "When the female fetus becomes viable, then the male or female will know what he/she was commanded" (Sura 16:59). This verse implies that once a baby can live outside its mother, it will have a soul and become morally accountable for its actions.