An Islamic Bioethics Framework for Decision-Making on the Life Support of Periviable Newborns

Akrami, Forouzan

Volume 17 - Supplement of 11th Annual Iranian Congress of Medical Ethics IJMEHM 2024, 17 - Supplement of 11th Annual Iranian Congress of Medical Ethics : 1-2 | Back to browse issues page

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Akrami F. An Islamic Bioethics Framework for Decision-Making on the Life Support of Periviable Newborns. IJMEHM 2024; 17 (S1) :1-2
URL: http://ijme.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6954-en.html

An Islamic Bioethics Framework for Decision-Making on the Life Support of Periviable Newborns

Forouzan Akrami ^*

Medical Ethics and Law Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: (796 Views)

For many years, the question of whether or not to resuscitate periviable newborns has been a topic of debate among perinatologists, neonatologists, and ethicists. Unlike other studies that focus on the value and sanctity of human life during intrauterine development, the present study seeks to address the ethical question of what constitutes the right decision regarding life-support measures for newborns born at peri-viability ages, within the ethical norms of the Islamic tradition. This study assumes the inherent value of every moment of human life and acknowledges the human dignity of individuals from the time of conception. This multi-method study was conducted in three parts: (1) a review of the ethical frameworks presented for supporting the lives of periviable newborns, (2) an explanation of the principles of Islamic bioethics based on common Sunni and Shiite sources, and (3) the development of an Islamic bioethics framework. According to the ethical principles of the Islamic tradition—contrary to secular biomedical ethics—first and foremost, efforts should be made to preserve and prolong the life of periviable newborns regardless of their anticipated quality of life. Second, in decisions involving life and death, the priority is not the preferences of the infant's parents but rather the saving of the infant's life and its preservation by the physician and medical team. Nonetheless, parental participation in the decision-making process is essential. Preserving life, however, is not an absolute obligation; the aim of life-support measures is not merely to extend the infant's life for a short period but to do so in proportion to the prognosis and expected benefits. Specifically, these measures should be considered when there is a significant probability of the newborn’s survival. This requires a case-by-case assessment of risks, taking into account the newborn’s clinical condition, as well as regional resources and conditions. It is recommended to use the proposed Islamic bioethical framework to develop a clinical guideline that includes criteria for classifying infants born at the edge of viability based on their clinical condition. Ethical decisions to intervene should then be based on the infant's clinical state, probability of survival, and the resources available in the region.

Keywords: Bioethics, Newborn, Periviability, Life Support, Islam

Full-Text [PDF 364 kb] (240 Downloads)

Type of Study: Oral Presentation | Subject: Health Ethics Congress (11th) - Oral Presentation
Received: 2025/06/29 | Revised: 2026/01/12 | Accepted: 2024/12/22 | Published: 2024/12/22