Title: A multitude of quiet tragedies.

POPLINE Document Number: 049584

Author(s):

Kwast B

Source citation:

PEOPLE, 1987;14(3):14-6.

Abstract:

Dr. Barbara Kwast was lecturer and midwife in community obstetrics in Ethiopia, before joining the World Health Organization in 1986. While in Ethiopia, she observed maternal mortality first hand and chronicles her observations in this article. All cases are true, with only names being changed. Covered are a variety of maternal deaths due to various causes such as tetanus, ruptured uteri, puerperal sepsis, peritonitis, and renal failure. All stories point to the tragedy of poverty, little education, and neglect in family planning throughout the third world.

Keywords:

Ethiopia
Infant Mortality
Maternal Mortality
Mothers
Family Planning
Health Education
Pregnancy Complications
Pregnancy, Ectopic
Obstetrical Surgery
Poverty
Abortion
Women
Developing Countries
Africa, Eastern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Mortality
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Parents
Family Relationships
Family Characteristics
Family and Household
Education
Diseases
Surgery
Treatment
Socioeconomic Factors
Economic Factors
Fertility Control, Postconception