The Plight of Women Giving Birth Amidst Nighttime Curfew

Ethiopia has promoted facility-based deliveries with skilled birth attendants, yet conflict-induced nighttime curfews have hindered women’s rights to essential childbirth services. This study explores the childbirth experiences of women in Bahir Dar City under curfew conditions. Using a phenomenological ethnographic design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 women who gave birth between October 2024 and February 2025, along with key informant interviews with 18 healthcare staff. Thematic analysis revealed that women faced significant challenges, including giving birth at home without skilled assistance, delivering in ambulances or on the street, and enduring long, painful walks to health facilities due to transportation barriers. Many struggled to access emergency care as ambulances were delayed, hotline numbers were congested, and some drivers demanded illegal payments. Security risks and limited nighttime social support worsened their distress. The curfew harmed maternal health rights; ensuring free ambulances and maternal waiting areas is crucial to address these challenges.