Using human placentas to treat cancer
Question A Muslim couple expecting their first child soon would like to preserve the afterbirth (placenta and fetal membranes), which has been found to cure certain forms of cancer. Is this lawful in Islam? Praise be to Allah. We put the following question to Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen: Question: What is the ruling on…
Question
Praise be to Allah.
We put the following question to Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih
al-‘Uthaymeen:
Question:
What is the ruling on keeping the placenta to treat cancer and remove
facial wrinkles?
He replied as follows:
It seems that there is nothing wrong with it so long as there is proof
that it is an effective treatment.
Question: does the rule that whatever is taken from a living being is
dead apply in this case?
Answer: dead matter of human origin is taahir (pure).
Question: and if it is of no use, should it be buried, or can it be
disposed of in any place?
Answer: it seems that it is the same as nails and hair.
And Allaah knows best.
