Maternal death a concern: Mien

Maternal death a concern: Mien

JAKARTA (JP): Many pregnant mothers die because their husbands
do not give them enough love and affection, State Minister of
Women's Roles Mien Sugandhi said yesterday.

"If a wife is really loved by her husband, then he won't let
her get pregnant at such a young age or have so many children,"
Mien said.

According to Mien, a survey profiling maternal death said a
contributing factor was the lack of attention given by the
husband, in-laws or other family members.

Other reasons include lack of education and proximity to
medical facilities. First pregnancies for women below the age of
20 or above 30 were also cited as major causes of death.

Having more than four children and less than a three-year
period between pregnancies were also highlighted as areas of
concern.

As reported by Antara, a 1994 study showed that 63 percent of
babies in Indonesia were delivered by dukuns, or traditional
healers, another 30 percent by midwives, while the rest by
doctors.

Mien said she was saddened by this fact, especially since many
villages across the country already have necessary facilities
nearby.

She claimed that in every district there was a midwife or a
small health office.

The maternal death rate in Indonesia is high with about 390
for every 100,000 childbirths.

In comparison, maternal death rates in Vietnam are 150 of
100,000 births, in Malaysia 50 of 100,000, while in Singapore
just 20 of 100,000.

She said the Love Mothers Campaign currently being held is a
good way to disseminate information and improve the welfare and
health of mothers throughout the country.

Separately, the deputy of training and development of the
National Family Planning Board, Pudjo Rahardjo, said yesterday
that despite the high maternal death rate, Indonesia's success in
its family planning program is well recognized.

He said 88 countries have sent delegates here to learn about
family planning methods. He pointed to Zimbabwe as one of the
countries which have emulated Indonesian family planning
techniques. (aan)