Dear Dr. S. As-salaamu alaykum. In 1983, a conference was held in Kuwait in which specialized doctors of medicine and Islamic scholars took part. One of the most important subject discussed was abortion. There was a great deal of discussion on the various aspects of abortion and when it can be considered appropriate. From the findings of that conference it can be concluded that abortion is permissible if the continuation of pregnancy poses a real threat to the life of the mother. In this case, abortion can be performed at any stage during the pregnancy, and as soon as it is clear that termination of pregnancy is the only way to save the life of the mother. As for other medical conditions, scholars differed a great deal on this issue. It is however, remarkable that the proceedings show that gynaecologists and obstetricians who also have sound Islamic knowledge took a stronger attitude opposing abortion at any stage of the pregnancy. Scholars of fiqh could find room for a more understandable attitude. They gave different verdicts for different stages of the pregnancy. Most of them say that abortion is forbidden after 120 days of conception (four months). Others say that this prohibition begins after 45 days. Both groups define the limit which they favour on the basis of a certain Hadith of prophet Muhammad (pbuh). You can choose whichever opinion you feel comfortable with and may Allah help you in this difficult decision. Thank you for asking and God knows best. (Source: IslamiCity) Classified in Abortion > in case of birth defects