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Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026)
Special Issue: Faith-Informed Mental Wellbeing and Resilience

Special Issue: Faith-Informed Mental Wellbeing and Resilience

Faith, Birth, and Belonging: Muslim Women's Experiences of Culturally and Religiously Sensitive Maternity Care in Australia

https://doi.org/10.55831/ajis.v11i1.1233

Published 10.03.2026

Hajer Jemai
Victoria University

Mohamad Abdalla
Centre for Islamic Thought and Education, University of South Australia, Australia

Rhian Cramer
Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Australia

Gina Kruger
Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Australia

Abstract

Muslim women in Western healthcare often experience maternity care that does not adequately address their religious, cultural, and spiritual needs, potentially impacting their sense of safety, dignity, and mental well-being. Despite increased focus on cultural safety and person-centred approaches, research on Muslim women’s maternity experiences in Australia remains limited. This study aimed to explore their lived experiences with maternity care in Australia and to understand how cultural, religious, and systemic factors influence their emotional and psychological well-being. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 Muslim women who gave birth in Australian public hospitals within the last two years. Data were analysed iteratively to understand their meaning-making processes, interpreted through Islamic Psychology and the Cultural Safety Model. Four key themes emerged: (1) cultural and religious insensitivity in maternity care, (2) navigating the system through advocacy and assimilation, (3) silencing, stigma, and emotional damage, and (4) positive experiences marked by respect, listening, and support. Participants reported that stereotyping, dismissiveness, and lack of institutional readiness often caused emotional distress, withdrawal from care, or hesitation to express needs. In contrast, culturally and religiously responsive interactions built trust and psychological safety. These findings emphasise the importance of maternity care that recognises religious identity as central to women’s well-being. The study highlights the need for culturally and religiously sensitive maternity practices, health professional reflexivity, and systemic accountability to improve equity and maternal experiences for Muslim women in Australia.

Keywords

Muslim women, maternity care, cultural safety, religious sensitivity, maternal mental wellbeing

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