Groundbreaking Birthing Model For Sex Abuse Survivors in DR Congo

Around the world, unintended pregnancies - especially those resulting from rape or coercion - are often met with stigma and judgment, despite how common it is for women's reproductive choices to be denied. Almost half of all pregnancies globally are unintended, and research indicates rape-related pregnancies are just as common, if not more so, than those resulting from consensual sex, reports UNFPA East and Southern Africa.

Cases of rape-related pregnancies must be handled with particular care. Sexual violence is a human rights violation, and resultant pregnancies often exacerbate harm. Survivors need specialist support to avoid retraumatization.

At Panzi hospital, midwives are using a groundbreaking new birthing model to provide survivors the holistic support they need throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. The model, developed in 2020, matches midwives with women and girls to ensure continuity of care, encourage one-to-one connections, and empower survivors to be more in charge of their labour and delivery experiences.

Backed by multidisciplinary teams including psychologists and social workers, the model aims to foster positive birth experiences, boost women's self-confidence, promote attachments between mothers and babies, and aid transitions into motherhood.

Over the past two decades, the hospital founded by gynaecological surgeon Dr. Denis Mukwege has gained global renown as a refuge for survivors of conflict-related gynaecological trauma and sexual violence. Mukwege won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018.

More than 430 women and babies have been served under the Panzi hospital's holistic birth model of care, and hospital officials hope that with further investment, the project can be scaled beyond the country's borders. UNFPA has been a supporter since November 2022.