Medical Issues: Can Male Students Train in Obstetrics — and Does Examining Genitals Differ from Other Areas?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Medical Issues: Can Male Students Train in Obstetrics — and Does Examining Genitals Differ from Other Areas?

English:

Question #1302:

For the sake of medical training and gaining skill and experience, is there any difference between examining the genitals and the other parts of the bodies of non-maḥram persons? What is the ruling in the matter of male doctors practicing midwifery and other childbirth complications in remote villages where no female doctor is available; noting that one of such complications is life-threatening bleeding after labor? Stopping such bleeding needs proper training and experience during the course of study in schools of medicine?

Answer #1302:

Insofar as necessity is concerned, there is no difference between the ruling of examining the genitals and the other parts of the human body. The universal criterion is the need for the training and study of medicine to save the human life. However, in such situations, one should suffice with necessary cases.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Medical Issues