Muslim Women not allowed to freeze their eggs before marriage: Fatwa

Muslim Women in Malaysia have been forbidden to freeze their eggs before marriage, according to a fatwa.

The Muslim Shariah law only allows a woman's eggs to be fertilized by her husband's sperm. Thus, freezing of eggs for non-medical purposes is not allowed, according to fertility expert Dr Natasha Ain Mohd Nor.

"A fatwa has been established for Muslim women, where freezing their eggs before marriage is not permissible," Dr. Natasha told Bernama. "However, after marriage, they can freeze their eggs provided they be fertilised by the sperm of the husband."

When asked about the current trends of Malaysian Muslim women on freezing eggs, the fertility expert said that people have not caught up with the idea due to its high cost, with most who opt for the procedure having life threatening illnesses.

Dr. Natasha said that she had previously helped freeze the eggs of Muslim women whose husbands could not produce enough sperm.

She further advised women not to delay their pregnancy by saying that egg freezing is an option, but the likelihood of the woman becoming pregnant is not guaranteed.