Taliban’s Male Guardian Mandate Hinders Midwives and Women’s Healthcare in Afghanistan

The requirement for a male guardian by the Taliban has severely challenged the work of midwives in Afghanistan, restricting women’s access to healthcare services.

Challenges Faced by Midwives Due to Guardian Requirement

The Taliban’s mandate for women to be accompanied by a male guardian has created significant barriers for midwives. This issue has particularly impacted healthcare delivery in remote districts, hampering the provision of essential medical services.

Midwives’ Experiences and Daily Struggles

Midwives, especially in rural areas, report facing numerous challenges stemming from the guardian requirement. A 42-year-old midwife from Balkhab district in Sar-e Pol province shares, “I encounter many difficulties traveling to see my patients because my husband has passed away, and finding a male guardian for me is challenging.” She recounts an experience where she was detained by Taliban intelligence for eight hours due to the absence of a guardian.

Women’s Demands for Access to Healthcare

Rural women also complain about a lack of health services in their areas. Sharifa, a mother of seven from Nangarhar, states that access to healthcare centers and women doctors is severely limited. She highlights the struggles women face during pregnancy and childbirth.

Officials’ Responses and a Concerning Future

Efforts to obtain comments from officials at the Taliban’s Ministry of Public Health have been unsuccessful. Experts and international organizations warn that the continuation of this situation could lead to an increase in maternal and infant mortality rates. According to statistics, Afghanistan still has one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world.