The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on all aspects of life, and one of the most alarming consequences is the crisis in childbirth. This article delves into how Russia’s deliberate targeting of maternity hospitals has created fear among expectant mothers and contributed to a significant decline in birth rates. The Guardian visited three frontline hospitals to witness the challenges firsthand.
Ukraine is now facing an unprecedented demographic crisis, marked by the world’s lowest birth rate and highest mortality rate in 2024. This article will explore the situation in Kharkiv, Sloviansk and Kherson, highlighting the experiences of women and healthcare workers. Learn about the specific challenges in each location and the resilience of those who persist in bringing new life into a war-torn country. Understanding these immediate effects will shed light on the long-term implications for Ukraine’s future.
Kharkiv: A City Under Constant Attack
Kharkiv has experienced relentless bombardment since the beginning of the war. Before the invasion in 2022, the city’s main hospital delivered approximately 1,000 babies annually. However, that number plummeted to less than 440 last year, as two-thirds of women of child-bearing age have fled. The remaining hospitals are overwhelmed, struggling to provide adequate care amidst constant threats.
In late July, a drone strike damaged the maternity building of Kharkiv’s main hospital.
‘As the windows were blown in and glass sprayed across beds, the women – some pregnant, others with newborns and one in active labor – were rushed across the river to a perinatal center for urgent medical care,’
reports The Guardian. Despite the chaos and shock, quick action ensured the survival of both a mother in labor and her baby.
The city bears visible scars of war, with broken glass and derelict buildings near the hospital. Sandbags line the windows of the perinatal center, and routine power cuts add to the already stressful conditions. A psychologist has been employed to assist women who are hesitant to visit the hospital due to the potential risks.
Sloviansk: The Last Functional Maternity Unit in Donbas
Sloviansk’s population has nearly halved since the invasion, dropping from over 100,000 to about 53,000. Consequently, births at the local hospital have decreased from over 1,000 per year to approximately 550. The maternity unit in Sloviansk is now the only functional one in Ukrainian-held Donbas. With other facilities closed or destroyed, women travel long distances to give birth here.
In July, Liliia Eroshenko, a pregnant resident of Sloviansk, learned that three Shahed drones had struck the main hospital building. Though the maternity building was spared, the incident heightened fears.
‘There is no safe place left in Sloviansk,’
Eroshenko says, reflecting the prevailing sentiment among pregnant women. Despite the constant explosions, Eroshenko recently gave birth to her daughter, Milana, at the maternity unit.
Lying less than 20 miles from the frontline, the hospital faces threats from drones, artillery and sabotage groups. The staff has experienced losses due to attacks on the city, and midwives have reported an increase in premature births and cancer cases. Valentyna Hlushchenko, director of obstetrics and gynecology, noted a similar rise in cancers after 2014, attributing it to the inhalation of particles from daily explosions.
Kherson: Underground Maternity Care Under Fire
Before the invasion, Kherson had a population of 280,000; now, less than a quarter remain. The city’s maternity unit once managed 1,500 to 2,000 births a year, but now it sees only about 120. Kherson’s maternity hospital No. 2 operates underground in a state-of-the-art basement, converted to include delivery, surgery and recovery rooms.
Kateryna Osetsymska, 35 weeks pregnant, was admitted to the hospital for safety. She is considered high risk due to complications.
‘I’m certain it’s because of stress,’
she says, highlighting the psychological impact of the constant threat. The head of obstetrics, Petro Marenkovskyi, stated,
‘We are 100% confident Russia is targeting us deliberately,’
emphasizing the continuous attacks on medical facilities.
The proximity to Russian forces means there is little warning before an explosion. Residents are terrified of FPV drones that drop explosives with precision. The constant stress leads to higher risks of miscarriages and surgical interventions, exacerbated by the limited access to medical care during the occupation in 2022.
Conclusion: The Resilience of Childbirth Amidst Conflict
The investigation into the maternity crisis in Ukraine underscores the deliberate and devastating consequences of Russia’s attacks on healthcare facilities. In cities like Kharkiv, Sloviansk and Kherson, expectant mothers and healthcare workers face unimaginable challenges, ranging from constant bombardment to critical shortages of resources. The experiences shared by women, like Liliia Eroshenko and Kateryna Osetsymska, reveal a deep sense of fear and uncertainty.
Despite the extreme conditions, the resilience and dedication of the medical staff offer a beacon of hope. The conversion of underground facilities into maternity wards and the provision of psychological support highlight the commitment to protecting new life. These efforts, while heroic, cannot fully mitigate the demographic crisis, but rather address immediate needs. The crisis calls for international attention, urging increased support and aid to protect the fundamental right to safe childbirth in Ukraine.
Ultimately, the future of Ukraine depends on its ability to rebuild. Addressing the maternity crisis requires a collective effort to ensure that women feel safe and supported in bringing new life into a recovering nation. By prioritizing maternal health, Ukraine can begin to heal the wounds of war. In this way, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come, is imperative.
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