The Struggles of Pregnant Women in Gaza: A Battle for Survival Amidst Conflict

In Gaza, a profound humanitarian crisis has emerged, with pregnant women bearing the brunt of the ongoing conflict. Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, reports indicate that an alarming average of 37 mothers have lost their lives daily, equating to two fatalities every hour. This distressing statistic highlights the precarious situation for around 60,000 pregnant women in the area, many of whom are deprived of vital prenatal healthcare services essential for their safety and that of their unborn children.

Girl in Pink Sweater and Grey Jeans Kissing Tummy of Pregnant Woman in Blue Shirt and Blue Denim Jeans — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

Pregnant women in Gaza lived in terrible environment.

Every day, at least 183 women give birth in Gaza, yet the majority do so without the assistance of midwives, doctors, or healthcare facilities. The ongoing conflict has severely impacted the healthcare system, with only two out of twelve partially functioning hospitals able to provide maternity services. This is a stark contrast to the 36 hospitals that were operational before the escalation of violence. The lack of medical support has forced many women to give birth in unsafe conditions, often among ruins, in cars, or in overcrowded shelters with barely enough space to accommodate their needs.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has raised alarms about the severe effects that nearly six months of conflict have had on Palestinian women. Pregnant women in Gaza are not only battling hunger and displacement but also facing the constant threat of death or illness from injuries, infections, or disease. Many have had to endure childbirth without any form of medical aid, and there are credible reports of women being forced to undergo C-sections without anesthesia. The trauma of witnessing their homes bombed and the fear of displacement have led to increased instances of premature labor, often resulting in the tragic loss of newborns before they reach full term.

IRC provided critical emergency healthcare in Gaza.

Arvind Das, IRC Team Lead for the Gaza Crisis, shared insights into the current state of maternity services in the region. He noted, “In the hospitals where our Emergency Medical Team worked in Gaza, maternity services were once a prominent feature. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case due to the surge in critical trauma patients needing attention owing to injuries caused by airstrikes. There are simply not enough medical personnel, equipment, or supplies to attend to other cases such as pregnant women.”

The IRC’s reports highlight a threefold increase in miscarriage rates among women in Gaza since the conflict began. Doctors have expressed feelings of helplessness as they witness the toll of the conflict on women and their newborns. The lack of essential resources, including electricity, medication, and medical equipment, has been exacerbated by Israeli restrictions on aid entering Gaza. This has significantly compromised the provision of essential care, leaving many women and children vulnerable.

The IRC emphasizes the urgent need for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2728, which calls for an immediate ceasefire. An immediate and lasting ceasefire is crucial to protect civilians, particularly vulnerable populations such as women and children, and to facilitate the scaling up of humanitarian assistance across Gaza. The organization urges all parties involved to ensure the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and to end the arbitrary denial of food, water, fuel, and essential medicines.

As the situation continues to unfold, the IRC remains committed to providing critical emergency healthcare in Gaza. They have deployed four successive Emergency Medical Teams in partnership with Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) to deliver specialized medical services. Additionally, mobile health teams have been established to provide health services in shelter clusters, addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the conflict.

a pregnant woman standing in front of a window — Photo by Sarah Kranz on Unsplash

The situation faced by pregnant women in Gaza underscores the severe humanitarian crisis impacting the region. Their challenges—stemming from hunger, violence, and the deterioration of healthcare—call for immediate international recognition and intervention. It is crucial that the experiences of these women are amplified, ensuring their rights to safe childbirth and adequate maternal care are protected. The futures of countless children depend on our collective efforts to create a world where they can emerge into safety and hope, free from the pervasive effects of conflict and suffering.