Prenatal testing is the detection of abnormalities including genetic disorders in the unborn baby during a pregnancy. Chorionic Villus Sampling is performed ideally between 10th and 14th week of pregnancy. Currently, it is being performed for the diagnosis of thalassaemia in unborn child during the pregnancy. It can inform at risk couples if their unborn child is a carrier, unaffected or affected with thalassaemia major. If the child has thalassaemia major, the parents are informed regarding the lifelong implication of this debilitating condition and the treatment options available. They are also informed about Islamic stance on the termination of affected pregnancies before 120 days (17 weeks) of pregnancy, as it is the time when the soul is given to the unborn child. The couple can then make a decision regarding termination or continuation of pregnancy.
 |
 |