Abortion and protection of the human fetus: religious and legal problems in Pakistan

Hum Reprod Genet Ethics. 2009;15(2):55-9. doi: 10.1558/hrge.v15i2.55.

Abstract

Abortion is the most common and controversial issue in many parts of the world. Approximately 46 million abortions are performed worldwide every year. The world ratio is 26 induced abortions per 100 known pregnancies. Pakistan has an estimated abortion rate of 29 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age, despite the procedure being illegal except to save a woman's life. 890,000 abortions are performed annually in Pakistan. Many government and non-government organizations are working on the issue of abortion. Muslim jurists are unanimous in declaring that after the fetus is completely formed and has been given a soul, abortion is haram (forbidden).

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Legal / ethics*
  • Abortion, Legal / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Abortion, Legal / statistics & numerical data
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Beginning of Human Life / ethics*
  • Female
  • Fetus
  • Humans
  • Islam*
  • Legislation, Medical / trends*
  • Moral Obligations*
  • Pakistan / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Religion and Medicine*
  • Young Adult