Islamic Fatwa Guiding the Use of Pasteurized Donor Human Milk

Neonatologists noted hesitancy in Minnesota’s Muslim community to use pasteurized donor human milk, even when medically advised for premature and ill babies, due in part to religious concerns about milk kinship. To address these concerns and promote equitable health outcomes, we forged a coalition of partners including the Minnesota Islamic Council, Children’s Minnesota, M Health Fairview/University of Minnesota, Minnesota Milk Bank for Babies, Brighter Health Minnesota, and the Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition. On Nov 16th, 2023, the Minnesota Islamic Council issued a fatwa, or a religious clarification, encouraging the use of pasteurized donor human milk for babies when a mother’s own milk is not available. The fatwa provides information on the health benefits of human milk for newborns, clarifies Islamic teachings, and encourages the use of donor human milk when indicated. This is believed to be the first fatwa regarding donor milk use in the United States, although there are precedents in other countries. We believe that this landmark decision, along with collaboratively developed patient and family education materials, will help clinicians across the country navigate conversations with Muslim families about pasteurized donor human milk in an empathetic and culturally sensitive manner, while simultaneously improving outcomes for babies and decreasing disparities. This effort also serves as an example to pediatricians interested in addressing specific religious or cultural concerns about an aspect of pediatric care in a community-centered manner.