Pakistan’s First Human Milk Bank Initiative Suspended Following New Fatwa
In a significant setback to neonatal healthcare in Pakistan, the country’s first human milk bank initiative has been suspended following a new fatwa issued by religious scholars. The initiative, which aimed to provide life-saving breast milk to premature and critically ill infants, has come under scrutiny due to concerns about its compliance with Islamic laws.
The human milk bank, established in Karachi, was designed to support mothers who are unable to breastfeed their newborns due to medical complications. The project received considerable support from medical professionals and was seen as a crucial step in improving infant health outcomes. Breast milk is known to offer critical nutrients and antibodies that are essential for the survival and development of premature and sick infants. The milk bank aimed to collect, screen, and pasteurize donated breast milk and then distribute it to infants in need, ensuring that they receive the vital nutrition required for their growth.
However, the initiative faced opposition from various religious quarters almost from its inception. The primary concern raised was regarding the concept of milk kinship in Islam. According to Islamic jurisprudence, children who are breastfed by the same woman are considered milk siblings and are prohibited from marrying each other. This doctrine necessitates meticulous record-keeping to prevent any violations of Islamic law. Religious scholars expressed apprehensions that the milk bank could lead to inadvertent violations of these principles, given the complexities of tracking milk donations and recipients.
In response to these concerns, a fatwa was issued declaring the milk bank initiative incompatible with Sharia law. The fatwa emphasized the potential risks associated with milk kinship and the difficulties in ensuring that the milk distribution process adheres to Islamic principles. As a result, the authorities overseeing the milk bank had no choice but to suspend its operations indefinitely.
The suspension of the human milk bank has sparked a significant debate in Pakistan, highlighting the tension between medical advancements and religious beliefs. Health professionals have voiced their disappointment, stressing that the initiative was intended to save lives and improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable infants. Dr. Saima Ali, a leading neonatologist involved with the milk bank, expressed her frustration, stating that the suspension would have dire consequences for infants who rely on donor milk for their survival. “We understand and respect religious sentiments, but we must also consider the health and well-being of our children. There has to be a way to find a balance,” she said.
On the other hand, religious leaders and scholars argue that any medical initiative must comply with religious guidelines to be acceptable in a predominantly Muslim society. Mufti Shafiqur Rehman, one of the scholars who issued the fatwa, emphasized that the preservation of Islamic principles is paramount. “Our religion provides clear guidelines on matters of kinship and marriage. It is crucial that we adhere to these principles to maintain the integrity of our faith,” he remarked.
The controversy has prompted calls for a dialogue between religious scholars and medical professionals to find a feasible solution. Some suggest that a more robust system of tracking and documentation could address the concerns about milk kinship, ensuring that the milk bank operates within the bounds of Islamic law. Others propose that awareness campaigns be conducted to educate the public about the benefits of human milk banks and the safeguards that can be implemented to comply with religious requirements.
In the meantime, the suspension of the milk bank leaves a significant gap in neonatal care. Many infants who would have benefited from donor milk now face increased health risks. The situation underscores the need for innovative solutions that respect religious beliefs while also addressing critical healthcare needs.
The suspension of Pakistan’s first human milk bank exemplifies the intricate relationship between contemporary healthcare methods and religious beliefs. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether a solution can be achieved that will allow this life-saving endeavour to resume while honouring the community’s religious sensitivities.
