Volume 20, Issue 61 (4-2026)
MLJ 2026, 20(61): 722-735 |
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Panjalipour S, Mosadeghrad A M, Mirmolaei T, Abbasi M, Shahbazi Sayqaldeh S. Economic Challenges and Fetal Rights: A Scoping Review. MLJ 2026; 20 (61) :722-735
URL: http://ijmedicallaw.ir/article-1-2136-en.html
URL: http://ijmedicallaw.ir/article-1-2136-en.html
Sepideh Panjalipour1 
, Ali Mohammad Mosadeghrad2 , Tahereh Mirmolaei1 , Mahmoud Abbasi3 , Shirin Shahbazi Sayqaldeh *4 
, Ali Mohammad Mosadeghrad2 , Tahereh Mirmolaei1 , Mahmoud Abbasi3 , Shirin Shahbazi Sayqaldeh *4
1- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- School of Public Health, Health Information Management Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Medical Ethics and Law Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- School of Public Health, Health Information Management Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Medical Ethics and Law Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Background and Aim: Fetal rights in Iran are shaped by the interaction of Islamic jurisprudential principles, legal norms, and socio-economic conditions. Evidence suggests that economic pressures may undermine the realization of the fetus’s right to life and right to health by limiting access to prenatal care, adequate nutrition, and social support. This study aims to identify the dimensions of fetal rights and examine the economic challenges affecting their realization in Iran.
Method: This study was conducted as a scoping review based on the Arksey and O’Malley framework. A systematic search of Persian- and English-language studies was conducted across major scientific databases. Following the screening and assessment of eligibility, relevant studies were selected for the final analysis. The data were analyzed qualitatively using a content analysis approach.
Ethical Considerations: Throughout this scoping review, the principles of academic integrity, honesty, fidelity to the reviewed literature, and proper citation of sources were observed.
Results: The findings indicate that fetal rights in the jurisprudential, legal, and health literature can generally be categorized into three domains: medical rights, ethical rights, and economic/civil rights. Among these, the right to life and the right to health are recognized as fundamental rights of the fetus. Furthermore, challenges such as poverty, the high costs of prenatal care and childbirth, unemployment, inadequate nutrition, and insufficient institutional support may contribute to delayed access to healthcare services, increased maternal vulnerability, and, in some cases, a greater propensity toward abortion.
Conclusion: The findings of this scoping review indicate that the realization of fetal rights depends not only on jurisprudential and legal frameworks but also, to a considerable extent, on economic conditions and families’ access to social support and healthcare services. Accordingly, strengthening supportive policies, advancing health equity, and enhancing support for pregnant women may contribute significantly to safeguarding fetal rights.
Please cite this article as: Panjalipour Kakaroudi S, Mosadeghrad AM, Mirmolaei ST, Abbasi M, Shahbazi Sayqaldeh S. Economic Challenges and Fetal Rights: A Scoping Review. Iranian Journal of Medical Law Journal. 2026; 20: e47.
Method: This study was conducted as a scoping review based on the Arksey and O’Malley framework. A systematic search of Persian- and English-language studies was conducted across major scientific databases. Following the screening and assessment of eligibility, relevant studies were selected for the final analysis. The data were analyzed qualitatively using a content analysis approach.
Ethical Considerations: Throughout this scoping review, the principles of academic integrity, honesty, fidelity to the reviewed literature, and proper citation of sources were observed.
Results: The findings indicate that fetal rights in the jurisprudential, legal, and health literature can generally be categorized into three domains: medical rights, ethical rights, and economic/civil rights. Among these, the right to life and the right to health are recognized as fundamental rights of the fetus. Furthermore, challenges such as poverty, the high costs of prenatal care and childbirth, unemployment, inadequate nutrition, and insufficient institutional support may contribute to delayed access to healthcare services, increased maternal vulnerability, and, in some cases, a greater propensity toward abortion.
Conclusion: The findings of this scoping review indicate that the realization of fetal rights depends not only on jurisprudential and legal frameworks but also, to a considerable extent, on economic conditions and families’ access to social support and healthcare services. Accordingly, strengthening supportive policies, advancing health equity, and enhancing support for pregnant women may contribute significantly to safeguarding fetal rights.
Please cite this article as: Panjalipour Kakaroudi S, Mosadeghrad AM, Mirmolaei ST, Abbasi M, Shahbazi Sayqaldeh S. Economic Challenges and Fetal Rights: A Scoping Review. Iranian Journal of Medical Law Journal. 2026; 20: e47.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Received: 2026/04/9 | Accepted: 2026/06/27
Received: 2026/04/9 | Accepted: 2026/06/27
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