Nepal's Maternal Health Crisis: Constitutional Rights vs. Harsh Reality
Summary
Nepali women face critical maternal health challenges despite constitutional guarantees, with high mortality rates and lack of skilled personnel in remote areas like Karnali Province.
Key Points
- The Constitution of Nepal guarantees safe motherhood and reproductive health as fundamental rights for women.
- Nepal faces a maternal mortality rate of 151 per 100,000 live births, with only 79% of deliveries in health institutions.
- Karnali Province has critical shortages of medical staff and high maternal deaths, with many women giving birth en route to hospitals.
- WOREC has called for expanded emergency maternal health services, skilled manpower, legal enforcement against gender violence, and mental health support at local levels.
