Haitian Mothers Seek Dominican Republic Maternity Care Amidst National Instability

The image of a Haitian mother cradling her newborn in a Dominican hospital bed encapsulates a complex and heartbreaking humanitarian crisis unfolding on the island of Hispaniola. Rampant violence and the near-total collapse of Haiti’s healthcare system are forcing expectant mothers to risk perilous journeys across the border to the Dominican Republic in search of life-saving medical care. This desperate migration, however, is fraught with challenges, as the Dominican Republic maintains stringent deportation policies targeting Haitian migrants, creating a precarious situation for these vulnerable women and their newborns.

The backdrop to this unfolding crisis is a long and complicated history between the two nations sharing the island of Hispaniola. Deep-seated historical tensions, coupled with a significant economic disparity, have fueled prejudice and discrimination against Haitians in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic’s denial of citizenship to children born to Haitian parents on Dominican soil further complicates the legal status and future prospects of these children, effectively trapping them in a cycle of statelessness and vulnerability. This discriminatory policy, coupled with ongoing deportations, underscores the systemic challenges facing Haitian migrants seeking refuge and healthcare in the Dominican Republic.

The dire situation in Haiti leaves many expectant mothers with no other choice but to seek medical assistance outside their homeland. The words of Cineas Lionne, a Haitian mother who gave birth in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, resonate with the desperation of countless others: “I don’t think I would receive good care in Haiti because of the situation with the government—there is no government.” Her statement reflects the utter breakdown of essential services in Haiti, where gang violence has crippled the healthcare system and rendered even basic medical care inaccessible to many. A United Nations report painted a grim picture of Haiti’s collapsing healthcare infrastructure, revealing that less than a quarter of hospitals around Port-au-Prince were functioning, a situation that has only deteriorated further since the report’s release.

The pervasive violence in Haiti has had a devastating impact on the already fragile healthcare system. Gangs have not only disrupted services but have even targeted Haiti’s largest public hospital during a press conference, a stark demonstration of the lawlessness gripping the nation. The violence extends beyond direct attacks on healthcare facilities, also impacting the supply chain of essential medical resources. Repeated closures of airports and ports have resulted in critical shortages of blood, oxygen, and other life-saving supplies, further crippling the ability of healthcare providers to deliver even the most basic care. International aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, have been forced to suspend operations due to escalating safety threats, leaving an even larger void in the provision of essential medical services.

While Dominican hospitals offer a lifeline to Haitian mothers seeking medical care, the constant fear of deportation hangs heavy over them. Beatrice Agustin, another Haitian mother who gave birth in the Dominican Republic, exemplifies the pervasive anxiety experienced by these women. Despite receiving necessary medical attention, the looming threat of deportation casts a long shadow over their stay, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty. Reports from UN experts highlight the mistreatment faced by pregnant Haitian women in the Dominican Republic, including raids, arrests, and discriminatory practices within hospitals, further compounding their vulnerability. This creates a paradox: while seeking life-saving care, they face the constant threat of being forcibly returned to the very conditions they fled.

Despite international pressure to halt deportations, particularly of vulnerable groups like pregnant women and new mothers, the Dominican Republic has continued its aggressive deportation policies. In 2024, over 200,000 Haitians were deported, and the government has shown no signs of relenting, further intensifying its efforts in 2025. Dominican officials justify these actions by citing the strain on their healthcare system, arguing that prioritizing the needs of their own citizens is paramount. Senator Daniel Rivera underscored this position, emphasizing the need to expand healthcare access for Dominicans. While migration officials are reportedly prohibited from entering hospitals to conduct arrests, the overarching policy of deportation creates a climate of fear and distrust that discourages Haitian mothers from seeking the crucial medical care they need. The Dominican government maintains that care is provided equally to all, with National health service director Martin Ortiz stating, “Our mission is to provide care.” However, the lived experiences of Haitian mothers, coupled with the continued deportations, paint a different picture, one of vulnerability, fear, and a desperate struggle for survival amidst a complex geopolitical and humanitarian crisis.