Water births disallowed in Malaysia due to safety reasons

Health deputy DG says no evidence to suggest it is beneficial to mothers and it is still considered unsafe.

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health (MOH) prohibits water births from being conducted at private hospitals nationwide.

Health Deputy Director-General (Medical) Dr Jeyaindran Sinnadurai said the water birth method of child delivery was prohibited as there was still no evidence to suggest it was beneficial to the mother.

The ministry recently issued a notice prohibiting water birth to Pantai Hospital in Kuala Lumpur and the action stirred a debate on social media.

Dr Jeyaindran said similar notices would be issued to other hospitals offering the service.

“The order is made considering safety factors, although the method has been practised for several years and no untoward incidents have happened.

“If a baby dies during water birth, who is to be responsible?”

He said the water birth method would be prohibited until it is proven safe and beneficial for the mother.