Thoroughly Examining the Law on Breast Milk Banks and Stem Cells, ‘Aisyiyah Holds Fatwa Discussion at UNISA Yogyakarta

Along with the rapid development of health technology, various crucial questions have arisen that require answers from a Sharia perspective. Responding to this challenge, the Central Leadership (PP) of ‘Aisyiyah took an important step by holding a Tarjih Fatwa Discussion on three pressing issues: the law on breast milk banks, the use of stem cells for health, and the treatment of embryo remains from IVF programs.

The event, initiated by the Tabligh and Ketarjihan Council and the Health Council of PP ‘Aisyiyah, took place at ‘Aisyiyah University (UNISA) Yogyakarta on September 11-12, 2025. The discussion aimed to provide legal certainty and guidance for Muslims in Indonesia.

UNISA Yogyakarta Rector Dr. Warsiti, S.Kp., M.Kep., Sp.Mat., emphasized the relevance of this discussion in her opening remarks. She cited her university’s desire to establish a stem cell laboratory, which raises fundamental questions about its permissibility in Islam.

“We want to have a stem cell laboratory, and then the question arises whether this is permissible according to the fatwa council on stem cells,” said Warsiti.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Tarjih Council of PP Muhammadiyah, Muhamad Rofiq Muzakkir, Lc., M.A., Ph.D., explained that these modern issues are very complex and cannot be answered by one expert alone. Therefore, Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah always prioritize collective ijtihad.

“Ijtihad must be carried out in an interdisciplinary manner, combining various expertise in fiqh and dalil,” said Muzakkir.

The discussion, officially opened by the Chairperson of the Central Board of ‘Aisyiyah, Dr. Apt. Salmah Orbayinah, M.Kes., was attended by 96 participants from across Indonesia in a hybrid format. The outcomes of this discussion are highly anticipated as fatwas that will serve as concrete guidelines for the community.