Can a Woman Doctor Remove a Tattoo or Give an Injection to a Man?

Answered by Ustadh Salman Younas

Question: Recently I went for the first stage of tattoo removal with a laser, it was performed by a woman. I am a man. Obviously it is sinful for me to make physical contact with a woman, is there any exception when she is a medical professional in regards to a tattoo?

I also had an immunization injection done by a woman what is the ruling on this?

Answer: assalamu `alaykum

The basis when it comes to male and female medical patients is that they be treated by someone of the same gender.

This is particularly the case when: (a) a medical practitioner of the same gender is easily available, (b) one is satisfied with their treatment and qualifications, and (c) there is no legal excuse for not resorting to a practitioner of the same gender, such as need or hardship.

However, if the above points are not found after a genuine inquiry, one may resort to a medical practitioner of the opposite gender. Due to the fact that this is a dispensary ruling, one should try to keep physical contact and the like only to the extent needed for the actual treatment. [Haskafi, Durr al-Mukhtar]

Both tattoo removal and immunizations are medical practices in which one would be able to find a qualified male practitioner. As such, it would be advised that in the future one make prior arrangements if possible to be seen by a doctor of the same gender.

From personal experience, people are very willing to fulfill the requests of their patients and customers especially when these requests are forwarded in the proper manner.

Wassalam
Salman

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani