In the midst of increasing violence in Haiti that makes healthcare inaccessible to many, Haitian mothers are turning to hospitals in the neighboring Dominican Republic for treatment, despite governmental policies in place there.
Although the two countries share the island of Hispaniola, they are separated by significant security measures, long-standing tensions, and a vast wealth discrepancy. Children born to Haitian parents in the Dominican Republic face complex challenges.
Cineas Lionne, who had her child at a hospital in Punta Cana, expressed her concerns: "I don't think I would receive good care in Haiti because of the situation with the government - there is no government."
A report by the U.N. in October revealed that fewer than a quarter of hospitals in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince were operational, while facilities in other areas struggled to handle the influx of refugees.
Violence escalated in late 2024, culminating in gangs attacking journalists during a government press conference, derailing plans for a long-awaited reopening. The disruptions led to closures of vital facilities and shortages of supplies like blood and oxygen.
Beatrice Agustin, who gave birth in the Dominican capital, acknowledged the challenges: "In Haiti there are many gangsters. You can't give birth there, but also if you are here without papers, giving birth in the Dominican Republic is complicated."
Unfortunately, U.N. experts have raised concerns about the mistreatment faced by Haitian women seeking medical care in the Dominican Republic, including intimidation, detention, and deportation, following raids on hospitals and arrests during medical visits.
Neighboring nations have been urged to refrain from deporting Haitians back to their country, increasingly engulfed in hunger and internal displacement due to the encroachment of armed gangs. Housing shortages and makeshift camps have become the norm for many affected families.
The Dominican Republic has announced plans to deport a substantial number of individuals each week as it grapples with the influx of Haitians seeking refuge from turmoil at home. Politicians in the Dominican Republic have underscored concerns about the strain on their resources.
Local healthcare providers have observed that Haitian women hesitate to attend prenatal appointments, often arriving at hospitals late at night or on the verge of giving birth due to fears of repercussions.
Martin Ortiz, the director of the national health service, emphasized that migration authorities are not authorized to conduct arrests within hospital premises. He reiterated their commitment to providing unbiased care to all individuals in need.