Is it permissible in Islam to consent to a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order for a critically ill premature baby in the NICU?

Short answer

Giving consent to a DNR order is permissible if it is recommended by a specialist doctor.

Negeri SembilanOpinion (irsyad)

A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.

Authority: Negeri Sembilan Mufti Department
Status: Opinion (irsyad)
Series: Soal Jawab Agama
Topic: Medicine & Health

No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.

Summary

Giving consent to a DNR order is permissible if it is recommended by a specialist doctor. DNR means that CPR is not performed when the patient's breathing or heartbeat stops. The question concerns a premature baby with several serious medical problems whose condition is worsening.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.

Hukum memberi consent DNR adalah boleh jika disarankan oleh doktor pakar.

Excerpt from the original fatwa · Negeri Sembilan

Read the full fatwa on the Negeri Sembilan website (new tab)

How to cite

Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.

Negeri Sembilan Mufti Department. “Do Not Resuscitate”, date not stated. https://muftins.gov.my/soaljawab/do-not-resuscitate/. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-consent-dnr-premature-baby-nicu/