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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
A prism of inequity. Childbearing in humanitarian and fragile settings Maternity care experiences of women and girls. A systematic review
1
University of Manchester, School of Midwifery, Manchester, United Kingdom
2
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Centre for maternal and newborn health, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A972
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Worldwide, women and girls represent an estimated 75% of those living in humanitarian and fragile settings (HFS). The risks faced by crisis-affected populations are gendered, where this unique group face intersecting issues related to power, identity, gender and citizenship. Women living in HFS face a 1 in 54 lifetime risk of maternal death and respectful maternity care is a key determinant of health-seeking behaviour. Therefore, the mistreatment of women and girls when accessing maternity services presents a major obstacle to addressing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Yet, little is known about the experiences of those accessing maternity services in HFS.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To describe how women and girls experience maternity care in HFS. 2. To explore how experiences influence interactions with maternity care in HFS. 3. To explore how experiences for women and girls may be used to shape maternity care in HFS.
METHODS:
A structured systematic review was undertaken to identify literature published between1989 and 2025, which studied experiences of maternity care in HFS.
RESULTS:
Six qualitative studies including 159 women from 7 countries were included for review. Findings from papers were coded and thematically analysed to form a thematic synthesis. Four themes emerged: power and autonomy; non-dignified and disrespectful care; discrimination and corruption; mistrust in healthcare system.
CONCLUSIONS:
The perspectives of women and girls are intrinsic to shaping maternity care services and so it is essential to understand the experiences of women and girls when accessing these services. Further research must be prioritised to understand the lived experiences of maternity care in HFS.
KEY MESSAGE:
For decision-making power to be shifted to women and girls, it is first essential to listen to their experiences and amplify their voices. This shift of power has the potential to cultivate more progressive gender roles in the future as societies in humanitarian and fragile settings are rebuilt. Poster session 4 (Group B)
Worldwide, women and girls represent an estimated 75% of those living in humanitarian and fragile settings (HFS). The risks faced by crisis-affected populations are gendered, where this unique group face intersecting issues related to power, identity, gender and citizenship. Women living in HFS face a 1 in 54 lifetime risk of maternal death and respectful maternity care is a key determinant of health-seeking behaviour. Therefore, the mistreatment of women and girls when accessing maternity services presents a major obstacle to addressing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Yet, little is known about the experiences of those accessing maternity services in HFS.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To describe how women and girls experience maternity care in HFS. 2. To explore how experiences influence interactions with maternity care in HFS. 3. To explore how experiences for women and girls may be used to shape maternity care in HFS.
METHODS:
A structured systematic review was undertaken to identify literature published between1989 and 2025, which studied experiences of maternity care in HFS.
RESULTS:
Six qualitative studies including 159 women from 7 countries were included for review. Findings from papers were coded and thematically analysed to form a thematic synthesis. Four themes emerged: power and autonomy; non-dignified and disrespectful care; discrimination and corruption; mistrust in healthcare system.
CONCLUSIONS:
The perspectives of women and girls are intrinsic to shaping maternity care services and so it is essential to understand the experiences of women and girls when accessing these services. Further research must be prioritised to understand the lived experiences of maternity care in HFS.
KEY MESSAGE:
For decision-making power to be shifted to women and girls, it is first essential to listen to their experiences and amplify their voices. This shift of power has the potential to cultivate more progressive gender roles in the future as societies in humanitarian and fragile settings are rebuilt. Poster session 4 (Group B)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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