By: Maha M. Sowe
Male midwives are still relatively uncommon in many African countries, including The Gambia. Yet, the question persists: “Why do we have male midwives?” Is it due to deep-rooted religious convictions, cultural sensitivities, or long-standing social expectations?
Interestingly, a comparative glance reveals a different reality in many Western nations, where male obstetricians and midwives are not only common but also widely accepted. This contrast highlights how cultural perspectives heavily influence gender roles in healthcare. However, this raises a vital question: shouldn’t competence take precedence over tradition when it comes to saving lives?
Undoubtedly, culture plays a vital role in shaping our identities and interactions. It influences the way we view roles and responsibilities in society. Nevertheless, when it comes to emergency medical care, cultural norms must not become barriers. The presence of a skilled health professional, regardless of gender, should be the deciding factor when a woman is in labor and her life hangs in the balance.
To emphasize this further, maternal health should not be reduced to a theoretical debate; it is a matter of life and death. In critical moments, cultural expectations, no matter how revered, must yield to the demands of medical urgency.
Adding another layer to this discussion, some argue that male midwives are discouraged in Islam. While modesty is indeed emphasized in Islamic teachings, the preservation of life and well-being (ḥifẓ al-nafs) holds paramount importance. According to reputable Islamic institutions such as the International Islamic Fiqh Council and Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta, male midwives and obstetricians are permitted to practice as long as they respect patient modesty, ensure privacy, and obtain proper consent. Islamic doctrine recognizes the necessity of medical care, even if it involves gender-neutral treatment.
Therefore, while female midwives may be preferred when readily available, Islamic teachings do not prohibit male practitioners from intervening, especially in life-threatening situations.
Now, let’s turn to the statistics, because numbers don’t lie. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022), over 287,000 women die annually due to pregnancy-related causes. The Gambia, in particular, faces a maternal mortality ratio of 597 deaths per 100,000 live births—among the highest in the world. Globally, one in ten pregnancies results in a miscarriage.
These figures are deeply concerning. Even more alarming is the severe shortage of trained midwives in The Gambia. By restricting midwifery to one gender, we further narrow an already limited workforce, thereby increasing the risk for women to succumb to preventable complications.
At this point, it’s crucial to highlight that midwifery is not defined by gender. It is about competence, compassion, and commitment. Both men and women are equally capable of excelling in this noble field. What truly matters is a practitioner’s skill, training, and ability to provide safe and respectful care.
Equally important is the principle of informed consent, which remains a cornerstone of ethical medical practice. Every patient has the right to choose who attends to them. Yet, that choice should be guided by medical necessity, not outdated stereotypes. If the most experienced professional at a facility is a male midwife, that should inspire confidence,not concern.
In conclusion, it’s time to broaden our perspectives and challenge entrenched biases. Male midwives are not cultural threats; they are valuable assets!.
In a country grappling with high maternal mortality, every trained and willing professional matters. Let us build a healthcare system that prioritizes healing over hesitation and capability over convention.
Ultimately, in the delivery room; where time is precious and lives are at stake, the question should never be, “Is the midwife a man?” but rather, “Is the midwife qualified to save this life?”
By:
Maha M. Sowe
UTG Student
Erstwhile Information and Communication Minister – UTGNSA
Erstwhile Information and Communication Minister – Health Vault Foundation, The Gambia
Clerk Emeritus, 5th Legislative of UTGSU
Current Honorary Member – UTGNSA
