Uninsured Muslim Woman Gives Birth at Home

By Farkhunda Ali
Muslim Link Staff Writer

She was in her early twenties.  It was the first time she experienced nausea.  She had no health insurance.  She was afraid to speak to anyone about her medical problems fearing others will become aware of her “illegal” immigration status.

When Amena Ejazi discovered these symptoms several months ago, she went to governmental agencies to get health insurance.

She was denied health insurance for not having a valid social security number.  When Amena went to the local medical clinics, she was denied a health examination for not having health insurance or Medicaid. When community members told her about Muslimat Al-Nisaa Health, Education, Social & Shelter Services Organization in Baltimore, she visited the clinic the next day.

Before visiting Al-Nisaa, the Ejazis went to the state and local government agencies to get health insurance immediately after Amena experienced unusual symptoms, not knowing they were signs of early pregnancy.  Due to her family admitting into the U.S. illegally, they were not qualified for healthcare benefits.

With little to offer them in the American healthcare system, the Ejazis put their trust in Allah and visited Hanif during Amena’s first trimester.

Muslimat Al-Nisaa, which opens its doors to the homeless and the un-insured at any time of the day, welcomed the Ejazis.  The family was given priority and accommodation regardless of the language barrier.

According to Asma Hanif, director of the Muslimat Al-Nisaa, Amena first came to the clinic because she was constantly feeling morning sickness.    Hanif said her first encounter with the family was difficult due to a language barrier.  Amena spoke no English and her husband spoke very little English.  After running some tests, Hanif announced the pregnancy to the family.

“I had to explain to Amena that it was okay for her to feel like this,” said Hanif. She used different types of communication with the family.  Sometimes she drew pictures, used sign language, or spoke simple English words to get her point across. Hanif gave Amena herbs and natural therapeutic remedies to deal with her pregnancy’s discomforts.  Hanif also instructed the family to eat healthy and visit her clinic regularly to ensure the well-being of the baby.

“I wanted to make sure she was being treated well,” said Hanif.

On the morning of August 23rd, Khalid Ejazi, called Hanif and explained his wife was feeling unbearable pain.  Hanif questioned the husband and asked some basic questions to determine whether the pain sounded like labor. To assess the situation, Hanif canceled all of her clinic’s appointments and immediately went to the Ejazis’ home.  Upon arrival, Hanif assessed Amena’s condition and told the family she was in labor.  With no anesthesia, no pain medication, or a baby monitor, Hanif sat beside Amena through each moment during the 12-hour birth process.

Hanif said she was often repeating herself when trying to explain to Amena what to do to ease her pain.  Hanif constantly rubbed Amena’s back, walked around with her, and practiced deep breathing.

“I felt Allah’s presence in the home,” said Hanif. While Hanif remained seated close to Amena’s bed, Khalid cooked food, provided tea, and water to the women in the room.  Along with Hanif, Amena’s non-English speaking mother-in-law was also aiding in the delivery by making constant dua’s.   The room was filled with positive energy.  Everyone had one mission in mind.  They all wanted a healthy baby without casing any harm to the mother.

At 9PM, after half day of extraneous pain, the Ejazi’s witnessed the first sight of their baby girl.

“Allahu Akbar,” said Khalid as he read the Adaan in the newborn’s ears and put a fresh date close to the baby’s mouth.

The father of the newborn had some concerns regarding the cleanliness and the safety of the childbirth at home.  When he saw that Hanif came prepared with her traveling mid-wife kit, he was relieved.

“Alhamdulillah, it was comfortable having the baby at home.  My wife did everything naturally,” said Khalid.

Khalid said Hanif went out of her way to help his family.  She provided counseling, natural herbs and supplements, regular weekly pre-natal visits, and the delivery services without asking for any compensation.

Khalid considers Hanif an honorable sister who assisted his family at their most vulnerable time while respecting their privacy.

“When I met the Ejazis, I just bonded with them and realized that Muslims don’t need to speak one language to be able to help each other,” said Hanif.  From this child delivery, Hanif learned every positive human experience is the result of compassion, prayer, and patience.

“The process of childbirth transcends man’s knowledge and all language barriers.  Everything went smooth in accordance to the order established by Allah,” said Hanif.  “Out of the hundred of births I’ve done in twenty years, this birth was the second best next to my grandchild.”

Hanif hopes this experience will remind other Muslims that medical technology does not guarantee better medical care than homeopathic treatment.  She said she wants Muslim women to know that Allah is in control of all births that are taking place in homes and in the hospitals.

Hanif said, “Whatever Allah wishes to make happen will happen in the home or in the hospital.” Hanif is a registered nurse, mid-wife, nurse practitioner, and a homeopathy doctor.  She uses herbal medicine and teaches women how to seek natural remedies to health problems rather than using conventional medicine.

For more info on Muslimat Al-Nisaa, call (410) 466-8686.