No safe place for childbirth:women and midwives bearing witness, Gaza 2008-09
Dublin Core
Title
No safe place for childbirth:women and midwives bearing witness, Gaza 2008-09
Author
Wick, Laura
Hassan, Sahar
Hassan, Sahar
Publisher
2012/12/00
Language
English
Publication Date
20121200
Abstract
Women seek to give birth in a place where they feel safe, protected and secure. However, in conflict settings, many are forced to give birth in dangerous and frightening situations, where even the most rudimentary help and protection is unavailable. This study, based on interviews with women who gave birth and midwives during the 22-day Israeli attack on Gaza in December 2008 – January 2009, illustrates the vulnerability and trauma women experience when there is no safe place for childbirth. They recounted their overwhelming fear of not knowing when they would go into labour, not reaching a hospital or skilled attendant during the bombing, complications in labour without emergency care, and fear for the safety of their families and being separated from them. Most of the midwives were unprepared both materially and psychologically to attend births outside a hospital setting, while physicians were overwhelmed with severely injured patients. The capacity of midwifery care to keep birth normal whenever possible is particularly crucial in situations of political instability, conflict, poverty and disaster. Planning for emergency care by mapping the location of midwives, supplying them with basic equipment and medications, and legitimizing their profession with an appropriate scope of practice, licensing, back-up, and incentives would facilitate their ability to respond to birthing women's needs.
Primary Classification
9.5.5
Secondary Classification
9.5.5;21.2
Primary keywords
childbirth--[pri];midwives--[pri];pregnant women--[pri];women's health--[pri]
Secondary keywords
Arabs;health care delivery;interviews;maternal health;morbidity;qualitative research;vulnerable population;war
Subject
Israel;Occupied Palestinian Territory
Subject
Gaza--[pri]
Journal Article
Reproductive Health Matters2012 December; 20(40):7-15
Link for Internet access
Note
© 2012 Reproductive Health Matters. Free Full text
Call Number
citation
Bibliography
30 refs
ISSN
09688080 (print);14609576 (online)
Collection
Citation
“No safe place for childbirth:women and midwives bearing witness, Gaza 2008-09,” Islamic Medical & Scientific Ethics, accessed January 19, 2025, https://imse.ibp.georgetown.domains/items/show/37849.