Abstract: A surgical drape is adapted for use by a woman during childbirth. The surgical drape includes a fecal collection panel having top, bottom, and opposing side edges. An adhesive is applied to a top marginal area of the collection panel directly adjacent its top edge. The adhesive is adapted for temporarily holding the top edge of the collection panel below the vagina and above the anus of the woman when disposed in a lithotomy position, while the bottom edge of the collection panel resides beneath the buttocks. The collection panel defines a protected access aperture designed for enabling ready access by a delivery assistant to the anus of the woman during childbirth. The protected aperture comprises a line of perforations extending perpendicular from the top marginal area of the collection panel towards the bottom edge.