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Chapter 16 - Sexual and Reproductive Health: An Islamic Perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2025

Basil H. Aboul-Enein
Affiliation:
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
G. Hussein Rassool
Affiliation:
Charles Sturt University
Nada Benajiba
Affiliation:
Ibn Tofail University
Joshua Bernstein
Affiliation:
A. T. Still University of Health Sciences
MoezAlIslam E. Faris
Affiliation:
Applied Science Private University
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Summary

In Islam, sexual relations are permissible within marriage between a man and a woman. Islam encourages fertility between legally married couples; therefore, the treatment of infertility is permissible. Contraception use for family planning is permissible, but the use of contraception for permanently limiting the number of children is debated. The use of a third party in reproduction is not accepted in Islam. It is advisable that Muslim men or women seek medical care for sexual and reproductive issues from Muslim health care providers of their respective sex.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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