The Ruling on a Male Doctor Assisting in a Woman’s Delivery

Extracted from the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women," based on the Fatwas of the Scholars of Haramain. Translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.

Question:​

What is the ruling regarding a male doctor assisting in the delivery of a woman’s child?

Answer:​

Taking a pregnant woman to the hospital for delivery should not be considered permissible in an absolute sense; it requires certain conditions:

1. Consultation with a Female Doctor:
   If a female doctor determines that natural childbirth is impossible, and a surgical procedure is necessary, only then can the woman be transferred to a hospital for the delivery.
2. Preference for a Female Doctor:
   If the woman must go to a hospital, it is necessary that a female doctor attends to her delivery. If no female doctor is available, then a male doctor may assist, but only in cases of extreme necessity.
3. In Situations of Danger:
   If the woman is in a critical condition and there is no female doctor available, it becomes obligatory for a male doctor to conduct the delivery. This ruling is based on two principles of Islamic jurisprudence:
   
   ➊ "الضرورات تبيح المحظورات"
   (Necessity makes prohibitions permissible.)
   
   ➋ "الضرورة تقدر بقدرها"
   (Necessity is to be limited to its extent.)
4. Home Delivery Preference:
   As long as it is possible for the woman to deliver her child at home, it is not permissible for her to go to the hospital. If a midwife is unavailable, then a female doctor should be consulted. If no female doctor is available, a male doctor may attend to her as a last resort.

The fundamental ruling is that it is not permissible for a woman to leave her home except in cases of necessity, as Allah says in the Quran:

"وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَىٰ"

(Surah Al-Ahzab: 33)

"And remain in your homes and do not display yourselves like the display of the former times of ignorance."
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) also said:

"قد أذن الله لكن أن تخرجن لحاجتكن"

"Indeed, Allah has allowed you (women) to go out for your needs."
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 146; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2170)