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Top doctors and lawyers condemn ‘shocking’ treatment of women in childbirth during COVID-19

Exclusive: openDemocracy investigation reveals ‘traumatic’ incidents defying WHO guidelines in 45 countries – as experts warn of ‘tens of thousands’ of extra maternal deaths.

By Claire Provost and Nandini Naira Archer
Top doctors and lawyers condemn ‘shocking’ treatment of women in childbirth during COVID-19
A health worker wears a face mask while checking a pregnant woman at Monica Pretelini Hospital, Toluca, Mexico | Photo by Ricardo Castelan Cruz/Eyepix/ABACAPRESS.COM
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Top doctors and lawyers from around the world have condemned the “shocking and disturbing” treatment of women giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new openDemocracy investigation reveals today.

Since March, openDemocracy has identified cases of “traumatic” experiences in at least 45 countries that contravene World Health Organization (WHO) guidance, and some national laws. In at least six countries, pregnant women have also died after COVID-19 restrictions reportedly prevented or delayed access to emergency services.

Dozens of women across Europe, Latin America and Africa have also described to openDemocracy their own first-hand experiences of:

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