Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has clarified the rights of expecting mothers regarding their childbirth procedures and medical intervention.
The Ministry of Health posted the clarifications on its Twitter account, listing eight cases entitling women to their own decisions without the consent of a guardian, reported Saudi Gazette.
Under Hashtag "You Have The Right To", the ministry stressed the right of women to know the state of pregnancy, the gestational age and the expected date of birth, as well as the expected method of delivery.
It is up to the expecting mother if she would like someone to accompany her at the birth, whether it be a family member or friends, as long as the hospital room can accommodate them.
The ministry said that the presence of the companion should not violate the privacy of others who are giving birth.
It is also within pregnant women’s rights not to cut the perineum at birth, unless it is necessary and after oral consent, as well as after all information and options have been provided to the expecting mother.