Afghanistan

Plight of Mothers

Although the Taliban was removed from power in 2001, the situation in Afghanistan remains a difficult one as demonstrated by the plight of mothers. It is common for girls to be married as young as 15, and women are typically not allowed to divorce their husbands. Marriage may happen against a woman's will and may be used to secure tribal alliances. Contraceptive use is rare, largely because of religious influences. As a result, when a woman gets married, she is likely to find herself in a continual cycle of pregnancy and childbirth (or miscarriage) that continues until she dies or reaches menopause. The average birth rate is 6.7 live births per woman, the highest in the region.

Over half of the population in Afghanistan lives in absolute poverty. Consequently, many suffer from food shortages and lack access to even basic health care services. Prenatal care is rare, and it is common for pregnant women to suffer from malnutrition, anemia, severe morning sickness leading to dehydration, and psychological stress. During delivery, conditions such as obstructed birth, slow delivery, significant blood loss, and sepsis are common. Lack of prenatal care has also been linked to birth defects. The majority of births take place at home and are not attended by trained medical personnel. Access to emergency obstetric care is limited due to both poor health care infrastructure and geographical constraints. While women who live in urban areas may have better access to such care, those who live in rural areas may have to travel (often on foot, horseback, or being carried by relatives) for days to receive emergency obstetrical care. Despite the efforts of various international organizations, hospitals and clinics remain severely underfunded. As a result, medical facilities frequently lack supplies, medicines, trained [Page 31]staff members, and the ability to provide even basic emergency procedures such as blood transfusions and Ceasarean sections. The maternal mortality rate is 1,650 per 100,000 live births, one of the highest in the world. In rural regions, it can be as high as 6,500 per 100,000 live births, the highest ever recorded. Nearly 50 Afghan women die every day from pregnancy-related causes. Neonatal, infant, and child mortality rates are correspondingly high.

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