Prohibition of having an abortion without an acceptable excuse

A: The basic rule regarding pregnancy is that abortion is not permissible at any stage without a Shari`ah (Islamic law) excuse. If it is still a Nutfah (mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge) which is during the first 40 days of pregnancy, and if abortion achieves a Shari`ah interest or saves the mother from an expected harm, abortion will be permissible in this case. This does not include fear of being unable to raise the children, or provide for them, or the desire to have a limited number of children, or similar reasons that have no basis in Shari`ah.However, if pregnancy lasted for more than 40 days, abortion will be Haram (prohibited). Pregnancy in this stage is called `Alaqah (clot; a piece of coagulated blood) which is the beginning of human creation. It is not permissible to have an abortion after reaching this stage unless an accredited medical committee decides that pregnancy endangers the mother's life and that it may end her life. Consequently, inducing abortion at one and a half months of pregnancy based on your own opinion claiming that you have weak nerves and that your body cannot bear pregnancy is a prohibited act. You must perform sincere Tawbah (repentance to Allah) and never repeat a similar act in the future. (Part No. 21; Page No. 451) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.