In the Name of Allāh,

the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful

Praise is due to Allāh, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our master Muḥammad, the last of prophets, on his family, and all his companions.

Resolution No. 56 (7/6)

Fetus as a Source of Organ Transplantation

The Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, holding its 6th session in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 17–23 Shaʿbān 1410h (14–20 March 1990),

Having examined the research papers and recommendations concerning the use of Fetus as a Source of Organ Transplantation, one of the topics of the Sixth Medical Fiqh Symposium held in the State of Kuwait, on 23–26 Rabīʿ al-Aw- wal 1410h (23–26 October 1990), held jointly by the Academy and the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences of Kuwait,

Resolves

First: It is not permissible to use fetus as source of obtaining organs to be transplanted in another human, except in certain cases and under certain con- ditions which must be fulfilled:

1. It is not permissible to make an abortion in order to use the fetus for the transplantation of its organs into the body of another person. Abortion should be restricted in the case of miscarriage or Shariah-approved abortion, and no surgical operation should be resorted to in order to remove the fetus unless it is essential to save the mother’s
2. If the fetus has a chance of remaining alive, medical treatment must be directed to keep it alive, and not for using it in organ transplantation. If it cannot survive, it must not be used except after its death in accordance with the conditions stipulated in Academy resolution no. 26 (1/4) at its fourth session.

Second: Organ transplantation surgery must not, at all, be used for com- mercial purposes.

Third: Supervision of organ transplantation surgeries must be entrusted to specialized and reliable authorities.

Indeed, Allāh is All-Knowing.