Working With Diversity, Northern Ireland Section 75 Equality Scheme Advice

Please note it is essential to check with each patient/client about their individual requirements.

Special Considerations

Bahá'ís believe that we are placed in this world to grow and develop spiritually. Illness, like other “tests”, may be a means to such growth, and it should be approached on both the material and the spiritual planes. Thus they believe in the power of prayer but have no objection to medical practice, seeing them as different aspects of the same God-given healing process. Bahá'u'lláh instructed his followers: 'Whenever ye fall ill, refer to competent physicians'.

Under normal circumstances Bahá'ís abstain from alcohol (and from other harmful or habit-forming drugs) but it is permitted when prescribed as a bona fide part of the treatment. Narcotics would similarly be permitted for medical reasons like the control of pain, as prescribed by a doctor.

Diet

Bahá'ís have no special requirements as far as food and diet are concerned. Some are vegetarians, but this is a matter of individual choice. The abstention from alcohol is strict and extends to cooking as well. Wine sauces, sherry trifle, etc. are forbidden.

Fasting

Members of the Bahá'í Faith observe a period of fasting each year. The ill are exempted, as are children, the elderly and expectant and nursing mothers.

Modesty

As for all men and women. There are no special points to be noted in this area, but there may be cultural needs.

Family Planning

The rearing of children is regarded as one of the main reasons for the institution of marriage, but the details and extent of contraceptive practice are left to the conscience of the couple. Many Bahá'ís will not use the intra-uterine device for contraception as they regard it more as an abortifacient than a contraceptive.

Birth

As Bahá'ís believe in the essential unity of the world's faiths, its members will welcome for themselves and for others, the dedicated efforts of clergy and lay people of other religions. They believe that the grounds for co-operation and mutual understanding, especially in a place like a hospital, far outweigh differences of doctrine and practice.

Donation of Organs

There is no objection to the giving of organ transplants. Donations of organs after death for transplanting to others in need are regarded as praiseworthy.

Abortion

There is no objection to the giving of organ transplants. Donations of organs after death for transplanting to others in need are regarded as praiseworthy.

Care of the Dying

There are no specific Bahá'í teachings on withholding or removing life support in disabling or terminal illness where this support is being given merely to prolong life. It is also left to the conscience of the individual whether or not to subscribe to a “living will”.

Last Offices

Bahá'ís believe that after death the body should be treated with respect. Embalming is not allowed. If a ring is placed on the finger after death (normal practice) then it should not be removed.

Funeral Arrangements

As stated, above, Bahá'is believe that, after death, the body should be treated with respect. Cremation is not permitted and the distance between the place of death and the place of burial should not be not greater than one hour's travelling time.

Post Mortems

There is no objection to necessary post-mortem examination provided the stipulations surrounding last offices and the funeral are met.

Health and Social Care