Zika: No decision made regarding abortion yet - Health Minister

No decision has been made yet on the need to abort pregnancies of women infected with the Zika virus despite a discussion taking place between the Health Ministry and the National Fatwa Council.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said, the ministry has, however, shared all scientific information with the council on the matter.

"Discussion has been made and all the scientific findings on the suggestion (to abort pregnancies) have been given.

"The National Fatwa Council is now studying all the aspects, but no decision has been made," he told newsmen at the National Public Health Action Plan 2016 conference here today.

Previously, the Cabinet had advised the Health Ministry to discuss the matter and take into account both scientific factors as well as the Islamic law.

As for now, Malaysia has no policy regarding abortion of pregnancies infected with the Zika virus.

The existing law only states that an abortion is allowed if the pregnancy poses risks to the mother, but not the child.