In Islamic law, abortion is generally considered haram or forbidden unless it is done to save the life of the mother. This is based on the Quranic verse that states "And do not kill your children for fear of poverty - We will provide for them and for you."
There have been some exceptions made in Shiite thought regarding this issue. One such exception is when the fetus is conceived through rape, incest, or adultery. In these cases, abortion may be permissible if the parents believe that raising the child would cause them psychological harm.
In situations where the fetus has serious abnormalities that are likely to lead to suffering after birth, abortion may also be allowed.
The moral responsibility of individuals towards their unborn children is a central tenet of Shiite thought. According to Imam Ali, "It is not permitted to bury an unwanted child alive; rather, one should throw him/her into a river or leave him/her on the doorstep of a house so he/she can be taken care of by someone else." This shows how important the status of the unborn is in Shiite teachings. The religious obligation of Muslims is to care for all living things, including those who cannot yet speak or take care of themselves. Abortion goes against this principle as it takes away the opportunity for a soul to experience life.
There are some instances where abortion may be necessary due to health concerns or other reasons. In these situations, families must consider the relational and psychological implications of their decision. Abortion can cause feelings of guilt, shame, and regret, especially if the family believes they are responsible for the unborn's death. It can also strain relationships with loved ones and society as a whole. Families should weigh all factors carefully before making a decision about abortion.
While Islamic law generally prohibits abortion, there are exceptions made in certain circumstances. These exceptions recognize the importance of protecting both the mother's life and the potential suffering of the unborn.
Families must carefully consider the implications of their decisions and seek counseling when needed.
How does Shiite thought reconcile abortion with moral responsibility, religious obligation, and the status of the unborn, and what are the relational and psychological implications for families?
Shia Islamic scholars have argued that the fetus is not considered human until its soul has been breathed into it by God during pregnancy. This means that an abortion before this point would be morally permissible if necessary to save the mother's life. Additionally, some Shia clerics believe that a woman may choose to abort her pregnancy if she feels that having another child would negatively impact her family's financial stability or well-being.