Haiti is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, and the disparities in reproductive health statistics are grave. Maternal mortality is a ramped problem in Haiti which needs to be addressed with ante, intra, and postpartum care as priority in reducing maternal mortality. According to 2008 statistical data, 1 in 44 women have a lifetime risk of dying from maternal causes. Many of the health disparities are exacerbated by geographic locale. The rural inhabitants of Haiti make up 57% of the total population, couple that with the limited access to vehicles on the island, the chances of women in the rural areas accessing emergency care facility is nil.

Currently Haiti has a Total fertility rate (TFR) of 3.9, but amongst the poorest fifth of Haitians, the TFR is 6.8 in a lifetime. What can be concluded from this fact is that women will give birth. Many organizations have focused the reduction of maternal mortality on the success of fertility control which equates to the distribution of Depo Prevera in rural areas. The fact still remains that Haitian women are giving birth and death is beginning to become normalized.

Studies have shown that unattended births have a high rate of maternal mortality and morbidity. 2008 statistic in Haiti states that only 24% of births are attended by skilled personnel and 680 out of 100,000 women die from maternal causes. In addition, the Maternal and New Born Health/Safe Motherhood Division of Reproductive Health (World Health Organization, Geneva) states that, “high quality antenatal care and risk assessment cannot be a substitute for adequate surveillance of mother and fetus during labour.” Based on this fact, I recommend the increase of Traditional Birth Attendants to assist women in the rural areas of Haiti during childbirth as a means to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

Traditional Birth Attendants defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), are equivalent to Doulas/Traditional Birth Companions in the United States. Their role during childbirth is to support the mother, her partner, and family during labour, at the moment of childbirth and in the period after. The benefits of TBAs will allow for an accurate and timely referral to emergency facility, as well as assess risks and anthropometric data to determine the level of risk associated with the birth. The increase of knowledgeable assistants who will assess risks, monitor the mother, and support the family can have a positive affect on the reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity.


To learn how you can help reduce maternal mortality in women of color around the globe contact Serving International Sisterhood at ServingInternationalSister

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