Waiting for fatwa on Zika-linked pregnancy

PUTRAJAYA: Health authorities are waiting for the National Fatwa Council to announce its stand on the termination of pregnancy should a woman be infected with the Zika virus.

This follows a meeting on Wednesday during which the Health Ministry gave scientific and medical input on the issue to the council.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said members of the meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, had heard medical views on Zika and its effects on the foetus.

The council has been asked to come up with a consensus based on fears that babies of Zika-infected mothers risk being born with microcephaly.