Abortion is one of the most controversial and least understood issues in modern society. For many it is a critical human right; for others it is unethical and even a form of murder. Unsafe abortion is believed to be a major factor in South Asia's high maternal mortality rate: a third of the world's maternal deaths are believed to occur in the region. Sex-selective abortion is a new issue of concern to many commentators. Islamic law has been interpreted by some as being opposed to abortion but by…