Not just a matter religion

When the number of abortions is estimated to have reached 2.5 million annually in the country and when most abortions are conducted by traditional healers or unprofessional medical workers at illegal clinics, is it enough to forbid it for the reason of religion?

It is right that all religions forbid killing human beings, although it is still in the form of a fetus or baby. The Koran, for instance, clearly says: "Don't kill your children for fear of being poor" (Al An'am, 151).

In Islamic methodology of law there are five principles that should be preserved in Islam: Soul, mind, religion, wealth and continuition of life. But the question is whether the act of abortion is the same as killing a human being? When can the growing fetus be named a person? What is the reason beyond the act of abortion? Is it right that they are afraid to be poor? In Islamic books these questions are still discussed.

There is a theory in Islamic law that when someone is facing two bad conditions; take the less dangerous one. Therefore regulations on abortion are needed in order to eliminate or minimalize this widespread illegal or unaccountable act.

NURROHMAN, Bandung