Healthcare system lacking compassion for pregnant women

THE EDITOR, Madam:

There are conversations about Jamaicans having more babies. Yet, judging by what many pregnant women endure, and in my experiences, one could be forgiven for thinking the country is doing everything possible to discourage them instead.

This is not to dismiss the many healthcare professionals who work tirelessly, despite limited resources. However, no amount of dedication can compensate for a system that expects expectant mothers to endure unnecessary discomfort, endless waiting, and inadequate resources.

Women, including those with cervical cerclage who require extra care, often spend hours sitting on hard wooden benches with little or no back support while waiting to see a doctor or to be admitted. The waiting does not end there. They may wait even longer for an ultrasound on those same benches. For women carrying a child, this should not be considered acceptable.

Equally troubling are reports that basic equipment, such as a speculum, is sometimes unavailable. In an era of advancing medical technology, should the absence of essential instruments really be part of maternity care?

Compassion is just as important as clinical care. Yet, too many women and their families describe poor communication, little empathy and inadequate aftercare following childbirth or procedures such as cervical cerclage. A close friend also experienced a frightening medication error when she was almost given diabetic medication despite not being diabetic because incorrect information appeared on her file. Thankfully, the mistake was identified before the medication was administered, but one such incident is one too many.

I have never been pregnant, but I have accompanied friends and family through these experiences. Every mother deserves dignity, safe care and respect. If Jamaica is serious about increasing its birth rate, then improving the experience of bringing life into this world would be an excellent place to start.

TATANISHA