A woman who is unaware that the medication the doctor gave her may negatively affect the fetus

Q: Nine years ago, I felt ill so I visited a doctor, who prescribed some medication. He asked me whether I was pregnant, and I said no. He then gave me medication and an injection. When I took it and returned home, I felt pain and had a miscarriage. I did not give much importance to the matter because I did not know the medication would affect the fetus. I was not educated enough to know such matters, and neither was my family. Now, I feel guilt and fear Allah that I may have committed a sin, especially when the doctor asked me whether I was pregnant and I denied it not knowing that the side effects of the medication would be so grievous, and that my three month fetus would be miscarried. What should I do to expiate for this sin which I committed unintentionally?

A: If the fetus you miscarried had already reached the age of four months in your womb before the miscarriage, you must offer Kaffarah (expiation). The Kaffarah is freeing a believing bondsman, and if you are unable to do that, you have to observe fasting for two consecutive months. If the miscarriage occurred before the fetus reached the age of four months, (Part No. 21; Page No. 433) you do not have to offer Kaffarah, and you should repent to Allah (Glorified be He) and ask His forgiveness.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.