Evoking the Guardian Angel: Childbirth Care in a Palestinian Hospital

The other side of caring: abuse in a South African maternity ward

“…Researchers and activists have claimed that the 'important' and 'disturbing' problem of disrespectful, exploitative and inhumane maternity care is prevalent in the developed and developing world, but seems particularly pertinent in developing countries (D'Oliviera et al, 2002;Davis-Floyd, 2000;Hassan-Bitar & Wick, 2007;Koblinsky et al, 2006). Compromised maternity care in South Africa has been a topic raised in the popular press for decades (Jewkes et al, 1998;Marks, 1994;Strydom, 2007;Terreblanche, 2007) and is currently a major issue of concern in South Africa (Strydom, 2007;Terreblanche, 2007).…”

Childbirth care practices in public sector facilities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A descriptive study

“…Hassan-Bitar and Wick (2007) found that the increasing rate of Caesarean section was due to unnecessary routine interventions during labour. Additionally, there is wide variation between hospitals' Caesarean section rate, as was also observed in this small sample.…”

“…Some studies found had examined the routine policies and practices of normal birth worldwide (Maimbolwa et al, 1997;Festin et al, 2003;Turan et al, 2006;Harris et al, 2007;Danichevski et al, 2008;The SEA-ORCHID study group, 2008;Chalmers et al, 2009). In the Arab world, studies of hospital policies and practices for normal childbirth have begun to assess whether they are within EBP (Khayat and Campbell, 2000;Abdulsalam et al, 2004;Khalil et al, 2005;Wick et al, 2005;Hassan-Bitar and Wick, 2007;Sweidan et al, 2008;Khresheh et al, 2009). All have shown deviation from EBP for normal childbirth.…”

Palestinian Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in a Longstanding Humanitarian Crisis

“…25 The international financial boycott has resulted in a further exacerbation of the quality of basic care services, staff shortages, lack of supplies and adequate supervision at maternity hospitals. 26 The World Health Organization warned of a further paralysis of the Palestinian Ministry of Health, a growing ''lack of homogeneity of standards and protocols'' and ''inequities in access to health services'', including the likelihood of a drastic reduction in antenatal, postnatal and delivery services provided by the public health facilities. 27 This is particularly problematic in Gaza, where Hamas has taken full control over 1.4 million inhabitants, who are being forced to live without free access to the outside world.…”