What if that was you?

By Zeeva

Imagine you were pregnant and about to give birth in an isolated area located in Africa. There are no hospitals or trained professional individuals nearby to deliver your baby. The nearest clinic or medical building is three-four hours away. While traveling, there are no paved roads so your swollen body is rocking from side to side while harboring pain. It hurts A LOT. What if that was you?

This is unbelievably true in many countries worldwide. Maternal mortality is defined as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy. Within these countries, certain resources or other essential medical tools are not available to safely deliver the baby. The health of the baby is at risk and the health of the mother (whether she lives) is also at risk. Of all people, mothers are ultimately the victim.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information on maternal mortality. Please visit their website to learn more.