Thousands of pregnant women affected by Nepal earthquake

Pregnant women affected by the disaster require maternal health services, including antenatal care, safe delivery services, post-partum care, and, for those who experience complications, emergency obstetric services. Protections for women and girls from gender-based violence and other threats will also be critical.

“In times of upheaval or natural disasters, pregnancy-related deaths and gender-based violence soar,” said Priya Marwah, UNFPA’s humanitarian response coordinator in Asia and the Pacific. “Many women lose access to essential reproductive health services and give birth in appalling conditions without access to safe delivery services and lifesaving care.”