Tanzania bans fathers-to-be from witnessing childbirth

Tanzania’s Ministry of Health has banned fathers-to-be from entering into labour wards to witness the birth of their own children. This decision follows complaints from the members of the country’s House of Representatives and other concerned individuals that the presence of men in the wards was both abusive to women and “against religious principles.”

Nadir Abdul-Latif Yussuf (Chaani) led some backbenchers to complain over men entering labour wards where expectant mothers wait for delivery. "Why allow men into labour wards; it is abusing women. The government should look women doctors to serve their fellow women," Yussuf said.

In response, Health Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo and his deputy, Harusi Said Suleiman, said men are not allowed in labour wards except male doctors and nurses.

Presently, and perhaps out of pure medical necessity, only male doctors and nurses are granted the privilege of being allowed into labour wards during childbirths. 

Does this solve the alleged religion problem though? Or does it simply address and attempt to solve the more legitimate psychological and infrastructural problems that surround the issue of the presence of expectant fathers in labour wards? 

Midwives and nurses in Tanzania still think that the only barriers preventing the presence of fathers in labour wards from reaching its full potential in improving health in the country were infrastructure and cultural beliefs. 

Privacy was the number one issue in terms of infrastructure, as most expectant mothers had to share labour wards with other women. Healthcare services and the attitudes of healthcare workers towards the notion of men being in the wards were other factors.

Some researches prove that the presence of men in a labour room could lead to complications such as a delay in the delivery process, immense pain, and mental stress for the woman, amongst couples who have emotionally strained relationships.

For the couples who have a great relationship, the outcome of the delivery had nothing to do with whether the fathers were present or not as many couples attest to the fact that sharing the experience of their child being born made their relationships better. 

Also, in addition to scientific research, most couples tend to have personal reasons why they would or wouldn’t prefer to have the man in the labour room. These range from how the experience could take a toll on their sexual life, to how it could form tighter bonds between them.

Although couples and health practitioners around the world are still divided on the subject, the 2014 debate in Tanzania was dominated by recommendations that it should be a matter of choice for couples. The healthcare industry was charged simply with providing an enabling environment for it to happen in. This view is also shared by a multitude of people in the global health community.

However, for the group of people who support the presence and involvement of men in labour rooms, or ask that the decision be left to the couples, the consensus is that it is wise for the couple to psychologically prepare for the event together well before hand.

Additional information from Ventures Africa