Women in Yemen are facing growing risks to their health and safety as renewed fighting between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and forces aligned with the internationally recognised government disrupts reproductive healthcare services, the United Nations has warned.
The conflict has forced some health facilities to redirect emergency obstetric services towards treating people wounded in the fighting, leaving pregnant women with fewer options for essential medical care.
Francesco Galtieri, representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Yemen, told The Associated Press that approximately three women were dying each day from pregnancy- and childbirth-related causes as recently as eight weeks ago.
He warned that sudden displacement, escalating violence and uncertainty were further worsening conditions for pregnant women and women of reproductive age.
Thousands of Pregnant Women Displaced
According to UNFPA, more than 3,100 pregnant women have been displaced since early September as fighting and insecurity force families to leave their homes.
The agency also reported that nine UNFPA-supported health facilities had reportedly been destroyed or rendered nonfunctional, while eight others had suspended services.
The disruptions have raised concerns about access to emergency obstetric care, skilled birth attendants and other essential reproductive health services in areas affected by the conflict.
“The situation is extremely alarming, and we have no data to size how alarming the situation is in the rest of Yemen, in the areas where we have no access,” Galtieri warned.
He said further displacement was expected as fighting continued, placing additional pressure on an already overstretched healthcare system.
Many pregnant women are uncertain about where they will deliver their babies, with some reportedly giving birth by the roadside because they cannot reach medical facilities in time.
The situation highlights the dangers facing women who require urgent medical attention in a country where years of conflict have weakened healthcare infrastructure and restricted access to essential services.
Deadly Attack in Aden Raises Security Concerns
The worsening humanitarian situation comes amid continued violence in southern Yemen.
On Thursday, at least five people were killed and 16 others injured in an attack in Aden, the port city used as the seat of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
Witnesses reported that at least six explosions struck near a palace used by government officials.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels based in northern Yemen quickly claimed responsibility for the attack.
The incident has heightened concerns about the security situation as fighting and tensions between the Houthis and government-aligned forces continue to threaten civilians and disrupt essential services.
More Than 200,000 People Displaced
The United Nations has reported that more than 200,000 people have been displaced amid escalating tensions between the Houthis and Yemen’s government forces.
The displacement is adding to the humanitarian challenges facing communities already affected by years of conflict, economic hardship and limited access to basic services.
For pregnant women, displacement can create additional barriers to healthcare, including the loss of access to regular medical check-ups, emergency transport and facilities equipped to manage complications during childbirth.
With further population movements anticipated, humanitarian agencies face growing challenges in reaching vulnerable communities, particularly in areas where insecurity limits access.
UN Warns of Growing Humanitarian Needs
UNFPA has warned that the deterioration of reproductive healthcare services could leave more women at risk as fighting continues.
The loss of functioning health facilities, suspension of services and diversion of medical resources towards war casualties are reducing the availability of care for women who need urgent assistance during pregnancy and childbirth.
The lack of reliable information from areas inaccessible to humanitarian organisations is also making it difficult to establish the full scale of the crisis.
As violence continues, the United Nations is raising concerns about the need to protect civilians, maintain access to healthcare and ensure that pregnant women can reach safe facilities to deliver their babies.
Without improved security and sustained access to essential medical services, women and newborns in conflict-affected parts of Yemen could face further risks as the humanitarian crisis deepens.
