04/11/2025
November marks Islamophobia Awareness Month.
This an important time to recognise and challenge the discrimination, prejudice, and hostility experienced by Muslim individuals and communities. Islamophobia does not only impact safety and belonging—it deeply affects health and wellbeing, including during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.
For Muslim women, pregnancy and early parenthood can be profoundly shaped by their experiences of racism, cultural stigma, or fear of discrimination within healthcare settings. Research shows that women from ethnic minority backgrounds already face higher risks of perinatal mental health complications, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Islamophobia heightens these risks by:
• Creating barriers to care – Fear of judgement, stereotyping, or dismissal can prevent Muslim women from seeking or continuing mental health support.
• Increasing stress and anxiety – Experiences of harassment, negative media portrayal, or exclusion can amplify emotional and psychological strain during pregnancy.
• Undermining culturally safe care – When healthcare professionals lack cultural understanding—around faith practices, modesty needs, or family involvement—women may feel unheard, isolated, or unsafe.
• Impacting birth experiences – Discrimination in maternity care can contribute to poorer clinical outcomes and long-lasting trauma.
By raising awareness of Islamophobia, we can take meaningful steps toward inclusive and equitable perinatal mental health care. This means:
✅ Listening to and amplifying Muslim women’s voices
✅ Providing culturally competent and trauma-informed support
✅ Challenging bias and discrimination in maternity services
✅ Ensuring religion and cultural identity are respected in care plans
Islamophobia Awareness Month reminds us that everyone deserves compassionate, accessible care—especially during one of the most vulnerable and life-changing times. Standing against Islamophobia is essential to protecting the mental health of Muslim parents, their babies, and their families.
