Strength in Practice

Midwives Critical in Every Crisis – Gaza


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Following Hamas’ attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the Israeli military launched a devastating assault on Gaza. Many leading genocide scholars, including Gregory H. Stanton, Raz Segal, and Omer Bartov, have described the campaign as genocide, though Israel rejects that characterization.


Today, Gaza’s health system is in ruins. More than 85% of the population has been displaced, and only a fraction of hospitals and primary health centres remain partially functional amid severe shortages of fuel, water, electricity, medications, blood, and sterile supplies. A 2024 Lancet analysis estimates about 180 births a day in Gaza, with roughly 15% requiring advanced care.


As part of our continuing series, Midwives Critical in Every Crisis, we put names and stories to those living and working through this moment. We ask what mothers and babies are facing, what health workers have witnessed and learned, and what midwives in Canada can do now. 


Resources & References


The Lancet — Pregnant women in Gaza require urgent protection

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2823%2902835-0/fulltext


MSF — Maternal and child health suffer under a decimated system

https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/gaza-maternal-and-child-health-suffer-under-decimated-system


UNFPA — As famine looms in Gaza, pregnant women and newborns face life-threatening health risks

https://www.unfpa.org/news/famine-looms-gaza-pregnant-women-and-newborns-face-life-threatening-health-risks


UNICEF — Born into hell

https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/born-hell


MSF — Timeline: Bearing Witness to Genocide in Gaza

https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/timeline-bearing-witness-genocide-gaza


UN Special Rapporteur — Gaza Genocide: A Collective Crime

https://www.un.org/unispal/document/special-rapporteur-report-gaza-genocide-a-collective-crime-20oct25/


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Strength in Practice is produced by the Canadian Association of Midwives, in collaboration with Bespoke Podcasts.

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Strength in PracticeBy Canadian Association of Midwives