Why some dads in Maluku skip prenatal checkups—and why it matters

In the scattered islands of Maluku, Indonesia, expecting a child is meant to be a shared journey—but too often, the journey is made alone.

Many fathers skip prenatal visits, despite research showing that their involvement could reduce risks for mothers and newborns. The issue runs deeper than remote clinics or treacherous roads. Generational traditions and religious customs often dictate who holds decision-making power in the household. Some men, raised to believe pregnancy is solely a woman’s domain, see no role for themselves in these medical appointments.

Experts are left puzzled, as most studies zero in on maternal health, ignoring the choices and behaviors of fathers entirely. Yet in societies where men wield financial and social influence, their actions—or inaction—directly impact family well-being. When a father stays away, the consequences ripple outward: delayed care, overlooked advice, and elevated risks during childbirth.

The Double Burden of Distance and Belief

The challenges don’t end with cultural attitudes. In remote Maluku villages, some families travel for hours just to reach the nearest clinic. Even when health services exist, entrenched beliefs erect invisible barriers. Some communities view pregnancy as an intimate, private affair—one where outsiders, including health workers, are barred from entering homes.

These unspoken rules leave fathers in the dark about critical knowledge: warning signs of complications, proper nutrition, or emergency preparedness. Without this awareness, even well-intentioned families stumble blindly through pregnancy’s most vulnerable moments.

The Unasked Question: Why Aren’t Fathers Included?

The core issue isn’t simply why men skip prenatal visits—it’s why systems never invite them to participate in the first place. When fathers are sidelined, mothers lose a vital source of support. Programs that overlook men’s perspectives miss a golden opportunity to enhance health outcomes for both parents and their children.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Change doesn’t require grand gestures. Flexible clinic hours or education tailored to men’s schedules could bridge the gap. But before solutions can take root, the system must first affirm a simple truth: fathers matter too.

The path forward demands more than better roads or more clinics—it requires a shift in mindset.