In Iran, abortion is heavily regulated by both Islamic law and religious frameworks. According to the Sharia law, abortion after the fourth month of pregnancy is prohibited unless it poses a danger to the mother's health or life, which can be interpreted narrowly by some authorities.
Abortions before the four-month mark are permitted if the fetus has serious defects, such as being stillborn or suffering from lethal congenital abnormalities. This restriction puts women who choose to have an abortion under immense pressure to ensure they meet these criteria.
The religious framework also plays a significant role in determining when abortion is allowed or not. The Shia tradition regards the fetus as sacred from the moment of conception, and abortion is considered murder, punishable by death. The fatwa issued by Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, states that "the embryo is considered human life and has rights" and "everyone must do their best to save it." The government has promoted this view through laws, policies, and educational programs. In practice, however, many women seek out illegal abortions, putting themselves at risk of prosecution and imprisonment.
This legal and religious environment significantly impacts women's sexual autonomy, relational choices, and emotional and psychological well-being.
Women may feel pressured into continuing an unwanted pregnancy because they fear social stigma or the criminal justice system. They may struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety due to the perceived sinfulness of terminating a pregnancy.
Women may experience relationship problems as their partners may pressure them to continue with the pregnancy against their wishes. These restrictions can lead to emotional distress, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Iranian society has recently seen protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman detained for allegedly violating the hijab law. The protesters have been calling for more freedom and autonomy for women in all aspects of their lives, including reproductive health.
Changes to the current restrictive abortion laws are unlikely under the conservative government, which views them as essential for preserving traditional values and protecting unborn children.
How do Islamic legal and religious frameworks regulating abortion in Iran influence women's sexual autonomy, relational choices, and emotional and psychological well-being?
Islamic law prohibits abortion except under specific circumstances. The consequences of this policy on women's sexual autonomy, relational choices, and emotional and psychological well-being may vary depending on various factors such as family structure, social status, socioeconomic background, and cultural norms. Women who are denied access to safe abortions or face obstacles in obtaining them often experience trauma, guilt, shame, and distress.