We should work to guarantee that there is a midwife or health worker by every woman's side during childbirth.

Liya Kebede’s quote emphasizes the critical importance of having a midwife or health worker present during childbirth to ensure the safety and well-being of women. She advocates for accessible maternal care, ensuring that every woman has professional support during one of the most vulnerable and significant moments of her life. The presence of a skilled health worker can prevent complications, reduce mortality rates, and provide emotional and physical support for the mother, making childbirth a safer experience for both mother and baby.

The origin of this perspective stems from Kebede’s advocacy work for maternal health. As a model and actress who became involved in humanitarian causes, particularly those related to women’s rights and health, Kebede has worked to raise awareness about the challenges women face during pregnancy and childbirth. Her work with organizations like the United Nations has helped highlight the global disparities in healthcare access, especially in developing countries, where the lack of skilled birth attendants often leads to preventable deaths.

Kebede’s statement also underscores the broader issue of healthcare inequality. While many women in developed countries have access to trained midwives or health professionals during childbirth, many women in low-income areas do not, contributing to high rates of maternal mortality. By ensuring that midwives or health workers are present, we can address these disparities and work towards universal access to healthcare, regardless of economic status or geographic location.

Ultimately, Kebede’s quote is a call to action to prioritize maternal care and ensure that every woman, regardless of where she lives, has the opportunity to give birth in a safe and supportive environment. It emphasizes that the health and safety of mothers should be a global priority, and that skilled care during childbirth is essential to achieving this goal.