Extracted from the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women," based on the Fatwas of the Scholars of Haramain. Translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
Although it is often mentioned that a Muslim woman should only seek assistance from a Muslim doctor, the basis for such a strict restriction lacks clear evidence, especially when considering situations of necessity. In circumstances where no Muslim doctor is available, the rules of Shariah adjust to accommodate such necessities.
The permissibility is based on the principle that necessity alters rulings (الضرورة تبيح المحظورات). However, seeking a Muslim doctor remains the preferable choice whenever possible.
—Shaykh Muqbil bin Hadi al-Wadi’i (رحمه الله)
Question:
Is it permissible for a Muslim woman to go to a hospital for childbirth, knowing that the delivery will be conducted by a non-Muslim male doctor?Answer:
If a Muslim woman is in a situation of necessity and no Muslim male or female doctor is available, there is no harm in having the delivery conducted by a non-Muslim male doctor.Although it is often mentioned that a Muslim woman should only seek assistance from a Muslim doctor, the basis for such a strict restriction lacks clear evidence, especially when considering situations of necessity. In circumstances where no Muslim doctor is available, the rules of Shariah adjust to accommodate such necessities.
The permissibility is based on the principle that necessity alters rulings (الضرورة تبيح المحظورات). However, seeking a Muslim doctor remains the preferable choice whenever possible.
—Shaykh Muqbil bin Hadi al-Wadi’i (رحمه الله)