Question:
My question is regarding check-ups done in my pregnancy.
I’m 5 months pregnant living in Germany.
In my pregnancy I have to see the gynaecologist every month for a regular check-up.
These regular check-ups include a ultrasound scan (on the stomach), urine & blood tests and an examination in the vagina to feel the mouth of the uterus and to check for any bacteria which could lead to a premature birth e. g.
The doctor said the vaginal examination is done to prevent premature births. She said it’s normally done but if the patient refuses to undergo it she would have to document that. In this case she wouldn’t be liable in the case of e. g. a premature birth.
The doctors and nurses are all non-muslim females.
Since most of these examinations involve exposing of my awra, I would like to ask if it is permissible to go ahead with them? Or shall I refuse to undergo any of them?
Jazakallah Khairan.
Answer:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
If there is a need for these regular check-ups then it will be permissible for you to expose those areas to a female doctor; otherwise it will not be permissible. If there is a high chance of risk to yourself or your baby without these check-ups then the check-ups will be considered a need.
You should consult a reliable, competent Muslim doctor in order to decide whether there is a need for these regular check-ups.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti Faizal Riza
2/4/2013
Darul Ifta Australia
www.fatwa.org.au
