JEDDAH — Sources at the Ministry of Health and private hospitals told Saudi Gazette that women can undergo operations without the permission of their male guardians if their lives are at risk. However, if the operations are not urgent and the patients' conditions are not life threatening, then the procedures can wait until permission is obtained. They noted that the woman herself has to sign for the operation if it is urgent. However, a new awareness campaign claimed women could undergo operations on their own accord and without the need for a male guardian's permission. The campaign hopes to increase awareness among women and people working in the health sector and is initiated by Dr. Samia Al-Amoudi, an advocate for women's health empowerment and health rights and an associate professor at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah. Al-Amoudi noted that there are widespread assumptions and some claims that women's right to health care is not fully supported in Saudi Arabia. Evidence of this can be seen in a report from The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women published in April 2008. “The committee expressed concern about the lack of information and data on health problems and expressed concern that women may require permission of their male guardians to access health facilities,” she said. She added there are still misconceptions about women's rights and the ability for female patient's to consent to their own health care issues, for example in cases of admission, discharge from hospital and consent for her children's medical treatment and surgery. This can lead to delays in the delivery of health care and lead to maternal death cases, as has been reported many times. In Islamic law, a mature, mentally sound woman has the full right to accept or refuse any medical procedure offered to her, and does not need the approval of her husband, son, father or brother. A 1988 royal decree also states that a patient who needs medical treatment or an operation can give consent regardless of gender. The decree was based on a resolution provided by senior clerics in the country. Despite this, “a majority of women still do not know, recognize or understand their own health rights,” said Al-Amoudi. “It is for this reason that empowerment of women through education and awareness, health care providers and future doctors is mandatory.” Awareness is the main objective of Al-Amoudi's campaign on the right of Saudi women to consent to their health care.
