Take steps to stop child thefts in public hospitals

Far too many women already give birth to their children without the assistance of trained medical personnel. Despite the valiant efforts of traditional birth attendants or midwives, therefore, there are an alarming number of maternal or infant deaths following complications in childbirth. Proximity and cost are the two main issues. Rightly, the health ministries and development agencies mainly focus on addressing these. However, there are other psychological factors that should be considered to increase use of hospitals.

One of these is the fear of having one’s children stolen. There is no threat to which a more irrational reaction is possible. Parents who hear tales of nurses, doctors, public hospital staff and others colluding to steal infants will not make sensible decisions on their use of hospitals or midwives. The poor and uneducated, who think they are at the mercy of ‘officials’ in public hospitals, are most likely to be untrusting and to choose riskier homebirths. More affluent parents can choose private institutions or hire someone to watch over the recuperating mother.