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Doctor turns away woman wearing veil

Published on 29 December 2009 - 2:24pm
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On Christmas day, a family doctor in Utrecht refused to allow a woman into his surgery because she was wearing a niqab, or burqa.

The 23-year-old woman had brought her baby to see the doctor. The three-month-old child had diarrhoea and had not drunk for several hours, a situation which is potentially dangerous in young baby. However, the doctor refused to see the woman because she was wearing Islamic dress, with her face covered.

The Equal Treatment Commission confirmed it has received a complaint from the woman, following a report in the newspaper AD. A spokesperson said the commission would definitely be dealing with the complaint, as a GP provides a service and should not refuse to see a woman on the ground of her religious expression. According to the commission this is the first time such a case has been reported.

The woman has also lodged a complaint with the GP's practice and the medical disciplinary tribunal. 

  • Woman wearing niqab - wikimedia

Discussion

sajuk 31 December 2009 - 6:57pm / England

Ahhh the Netherlands the country that bowed down to the Nazis and now some in that country have taken on the traits of the Nazis how nice! This is shocking and disgusting that someone is refused treatment such hatred is evil! Why didnt you stand up to the Nazis??? so brave of you picking on a woman and child!

Mustafa * Ch 30 December 2009 - 1:30am / Nederland

and reflect the mentality of backward and uncivilized. And say that the disposal of women unacceptable, and not only in the theater and open bidding. Because the doctor is allowed to legitimately and legally treated and inspected the bodies of patients and both sexes, without exception. Sure that the doctor felt offended by the disposal of these women and Malk acted properly

Anonymous 29 December 2009 - 10:10pm / Netherlands

Hiram - you do realise that the English term 'doctor's surgery' also refers to the room where patients are examined, and in that context has no bearing on where operations are performed? I sincerely doubt that a baby with diarrhoea would require the sort of surgical procedures where the mother's dress might become a safety issue.

Hiram 29 December 2009 - 8:07pm / USA

"On Christmas day, a family doctor in Utrecht refused to allow a woman into his surgery because she was wearing a niqab, or burqa."......The key word is "surgery". Having been in numerous "surery" rooms, the woman was refused because everyone who goes into a "surgery" room must wear protective gowns, masks, gloves and shoe covers. Burqas are not proper clothing for surgery rooms. She used her religion to strike back at the doctor. { Maybe, reporter should have ask the doctor: "What are the dress requirements for entering into a surgery room? Why? Sanitation! When and Who? Anytime someone enters the room! Investigate!!!!!!

Anonymous 29 December 2009 - 10:10pm / Netherlands

Hiram - you do realise that the English term 'doctor's surgery' also refers to the room where patients are examined, and in that context has no bearing on where operations are performed? I sincerely doubt that a baby with diarrhoea would require the sort of surgical procedures where the mother's dress might become a safety issue.

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