Islamic Bioethics: Problems and Perspectives

Islamic Bioethics presents a critical analysis of legal and political debates resulting from biomedical technologies. Perspectives from traditional Muslim law are compared with contemporary religious authorities, medical associations, as well as individuals.

This book presents a critical analysis of the debate at the religious, legal and political level sparked off by the introduction of new biomedical technologies (cloning, genetics, organ transplants, IVF, etc.) in Muslim countries. It compares the positions of "classic" Muslim law and contemporary religious authorities; laws in Muslim countries; the attitudes and concrete behaviour of populations, families and individuals, as well as the regulations of medical associations, bioethics committees etc..

The result is a mosaic of positions which are often different (including from the point of view of ethics) but all in pursuit of legitimisation according to the Koran and the Shari'a.

The work has an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on law, sociology, anthropology, politics and the history of science. For this reason it will be of interest to scholars and operators in a wide variety of disciplines and fields.

Describes the overall development of the ethical-juridical-social and political debate on new medical technologies in Muslim areas with a problematic and critical approach Compares national laws, the positions of the religious authorities, the attitudes of the populations and actual medical practice Offers an extremely variegated picture of Islamic culture, rich in contrasts and surprises. This variety shows the existence of an Islamic pluralism or of several Islams also on the ethical and bioethical level Responds to the growing interest shown by Western societies in the "culture of Others" Provides health operators (doctors, nurses, specialists), social workers (eg in the field of immigration and social work) and administrative and political authorities with fundamental indications for their relations with Muslim patients A unique analysis of the introduction of new biomedical technologies in Muslim countries A comprehensive, multidisciplinary perspective of current biomedical issues in an Islamic context

Inhalt
to Muslim Law.- Features of Islamic Bioethics.- Some Aspects of Medical Ethics.- Contraception and Population Control.- Abortion.- Assisted Procreation.- The Development of Organ Transplants.- Aids.- The Opinions on Genetics.- The End of Life.- Female Genital Mutilation in Specific Muslim Areas.- The Koran and Modern Science.- General Conclusions.