Urgent Call from the Nordic federation of Midwives (NJF) to Protect Health and Life in Gaza
Dear Prime Ministers and Ministers,
We, the midwifery associations of Denmark, Finland, The Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, are compelled to speak out in the face of the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Since October 2023, systematic attacks on civilians, hospitals, and healthcare personnel have led to the near total collapse of the health system. Midwives, mothers, newborns, and vulnerable populations now face conditions that threaten survival, dignity, and life itself.
Midwives in Gaza continue to care for pregnant women, women in labour, and newborns while risking their own lives. Amid bombings, simply reaching their workplaces is unsafe, and their work is further hampered by the lack of clean water and critical equipment for safe childbirth.
Pregnant women and infants are at acute risk. Most maternity hospitals have been destroyed or closed. Miscarriages, premature births, and preventable deaths are increasing sharply. Malnutrition, poor hygiene, lack of pregnancy monitoring, and absence of psychological support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period cause grave harm to women and children. For women and girls, the risks of sexual violence, unintended pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections have also risen significantly in this crisis setting.
As midwives and advocates for women and newborns, we call on your governments to urgently:
– Demand a permanent ceasefire and implementation of a long-term peace plan, and ensure the protection of midwives, health care workers, hospitals, patients, and civilians under international humanitarian law.
– Press for safe and reliable humanitarian corridors to deliver medicines, medical equipment, and relief supplies.
– Guarantee the availability of sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health services.
– Support international efforts to rebuild Gaza’s shattered health system once the violence ceases.
The well-being and rights of women, newborns, and children must always be safeguarded and protected in every situation. NJF joins with the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), UN agencies, and human rights organizations in urging urgent diplomatic action. Midwives stand for life, health, and dignity. We therefore implore you to take immediate measures to alleviate this crisis and to ensure that peace and humanity prevail.
Respectfully,
Through NJF
The Midwifery Associations of Denmark, Finland, The Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden
