Islamic Perspective On Elective Abortion Of Zika Virus Infected Pregnant Women

Introduction: Zika virus infection is caused by flavivirus virus and spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Since first reported in 1947, it spread to various countries especially in the equatorial region including Malaysia. The infection is non-fatal to an adult. However, the major risk of its infection is towards unborn baby when the mother is infected. The vertical transmission to the foetus possess various risks include the teratogenic effect that may lead to elective abortion. Thus, the objectives of this review are to discover about Zika virus and its effect on pregnant women and to evaluate Islamic perspective about elective abortion of Zika virus-infected women. Methods: This review was done through reviewing evidence from the journals, books and reports. The data were reviewed thematically according to the objectives. Results: Studies shown that Zika virus may cause miscarriage, preterm birth, microcephaly and other malformation known as Congenital Zika syndrome. This leads to a demand for elective abortion which raised Islamic ethical issue if it is permissible. In Islam, abortion is extremely prohibited once the foetus reached 120-day of conception unless it causes harm to the mother’s life. But, if the foetus age is less than 120-day, abortion is permissible when the pregnancy affects the mother’s health. Abortion due to foetal microcephaly and congenital malformation is prohibited. Conclusion: Effort must be taken to prevent the spread of Zika virus to reduce the need for an elective abortion through an education Muslim community regarding elective abortion.