Welcome to SafeBirth4All, a campaign that seeks to highlight the human rights realities of the experiences of women and girls and obstetric fistula.

SafeBirth4All promotes primarily the prevention of obstetric fistula, while also aligning with the UNFPA Campaign for treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration and advocacy. 

What do we mean by obstetric fistula?

Obstetric fistula is a physical injury that occurs during a prolonged birth, where the baby becomes stuck inside a woman’s body. This causes a hole between the birth canal and the bladder (vesicovaginal fistula) and/or her rectum (rectovaginal fistula), which results in uncontrollable leaking of urine and/or faeces. Left untreated, this is the reality for a woman or girl for the rest of her life. Added to this trauma, is the reality that 90% of pregnancies where the woman develops fistula, results in stillbirth.

Across 55 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific, the Arab States and Latin America, there are an estimated 500,000 women and girls living with obstetric fistula, with some 50,000 new cases annually (UNFPA). The majority of women today who develop fistula during the childbirth process live in areas where quality and affordable health and social care is limited. Most cannot access or afford the transport to the long distances to regional medical facilities, nor the cost of paying for appropriate medical care once there.

An issue of human rights

Obstetric fistula is one of the most neglected public-health and human-rights realities for women and girls today. The condition deeply affects a woman’s life; it causes horrific, life-altering damage to her body, resulting in shame, discrimination and social rejection, deepening poverty and marginalisation and psycho-social trauma.

Yet, obstetric fistula is a preventable condition. In countries like Ireland with established social and healthcare systems, obstetric fistula is mostly eradicated. Key to a holistic approach in eradicating obstetric fistula lies in prioritising girls’ education and safeguarding continued educational and livelihood supports that empower and equip girls and women in rural areas to ensure their well-being. This includes access to quality education, appropriate health and maternal care, supports for economic independence and improving their subordinate status within their community.

Please join us in our campaign to prevent obstetric fistula globally.