The Dream I Carried is Gone: Miscarriages Rise Amid Trauma of Gaza’s War
Gaza City, Palestine – The devastating effects of Israel’s war on Gaza have taken a toll on expectant mothers. According to medical officials at al-Awda Hospital in Deir el-Balah, the number of miscarriages and pregnancy losses has skyrocketed since October 2023.
The surge is attributed to the ongoing blockade, air strikes, displacement, hunger, fear, and lack of proper medical care. “We are treating a significant increase in pregnancies that have been lost due to Israel’s genocide and blockade,” said Dr Yasser Saadeddine, the maternity director at al-Awda Hospital.
Nuha Abu Lebda, who has experienced three miscarriages since her forced displacement several times across Gaza, says she hopes one day to become a mother. “I dream of bringing a baby into this world. I want to be a mother and have children,” she laments. However, the reality is far from ideal.
Abu Lebda sold her gold and almost everything she owned to pay for injections of heparin, a drug prescribed to some women to prevent blood clotting during pregnancy. Despite these efforts, she lost three pregnancies due to air strikes, displacement, and difficult conditions.
Medical officials report that the trend has worsened as Gaza’s health system has collapsed under bombardments and Israeli ground operations. The surge in miscarriages is linked directly to Israel’s genocide and blockade.
In Deir el-Balah, doctors at al-Awda Hospital have seen a significant increase in pregnancy losses. “During the war, there was a major increase in miscarriage cases we received,” said Dr Saadeddine. He attributes these losses to “the war and the blockade, including malnutrition, poor hygiene, environmental contamination, and continuous displacement.”
The situation is dire for many expectant mothers who have lost their homes, medical records, or access to regular check-ups during repeated displacements.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Nuha Abu Lebda. “I’ve been forced to sell my gold and almost everything I own just to pay for the medication that could help me bring a baby into this world.”
The war has left wounds that continue to hurt even after most of the fighting has stopped, according to medical officials.
“We are seeing more babies dying in the womb, premature deliveries, and dangerous pregnancy complications,” said Dr Saadeddine. “Many women lost their homes, medical records, and access to regular check-ups during repeated displacements.”
The situation is a stark reminder that the war on Gaza has not ended with October’s ceasefire. It continues with every pregnancy lost, and every dream of motherhood left unfulfilled.
Source: Al Jazeera
Based on reporting from Al Jazeera.
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