An ethico-legal analysis of artificial womb technology and extracorporeal gestation based on Islamic legal maxims

Muhsin, Sayyed Mohamed and Chin, Alexis Heng Boon and Padela, Aasim Ilyas (2024) An ethico-legal analysis of artificial womb technology and extracorporeal gestation based on Islamic legal maxims. The New Bioethics, 30 (1). pp. 34-46. ISSN 2050-2877 E-ISSN 2050-2885

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Abstract

Artificial womb technology for extracorporeal gestation of human offspring (ectogenesis or ectogestation) has profound ethical, sociological and religious implications for Muslim communities. In this article we examine the usage of the technology through the lens of Islamic ethico-legal frameworks specifically the legal maxims (al-Qawaid al-Fiqhiyyah) and higher objectives of Islamic law (Maqaṣid al-Shariah). Our analysis suggests that its application may be contingently permissible (halal) in situations of dire need such as sustaining life and development of extremely premature newborns, for advancing fetal medicine and avoiding maternal co-morbidities during fetal treatment, and for enabling motherhood for women without functional wombs, or who face grave medical risks in pregnancy. However, its application may be proscribed (haram) for enabling healthy women to avoid pregnancy and childbirth, or to achieve parenthood equity. Specification of these views to particular policy, legal contexts and Fatwa will require multidisciplinary Shariah-based bioethical deliberations between jurists, policymakers, and scientists.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Ectogenesis, bioethics, Fatwa, Fetus, Jurisprudence, Sharia
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics > BJ1298 Evolutionary and genetic ethics B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP100 Sacred books > BP140 Islamic law (Fiqh) K Law > KBP Islamic Law > KBP1 Islamic law.Shariah.Fiqh > KBP490 Furūʻ al-fiqh. Substantive law. Branches of law. > KBP 3098 Medical legislation
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh
Depositing User:	Dr. Sayyed Mohamed Muhsin
Date Deposited:	25 Oct 2023 08:38
Last Modified:	01 Jul 2024 11:22
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/107655

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