Dominican Republic's Postpartum Deportations of Haitian Mothers Condemned

Dominican Republic's Deportation of Haitian Mothers and Newborns Sparks Outrage The Dominican Republic is facing international condemnation for its practice of detaining and deporting Haitian women immediately after childbirth. This policy, part of a wider crackdown on Haitian migrants implemented in April, has led to accusations of human trafficking and widespread fear among pregnant Haitian women. "They deport you even if you're still bleeding," stated Manitha, a Haitian migrant interviewed in the DW Español report, describing her own experience. She was deported while still recovering from childbirth, leaving her vulnerable and without family support. Activists like Roudy Joseph have denounced the situation, arguing that the government isn't focused on regularization but rather profiting from deportations. He states, "They aren't really seeking the regularization of these people; they're making a business out of the deportations." Testimonies indicate that migration officers demand bribes of approximately $250 for release. The fear of these detentions has caused some women to opt for risky home births, resulting in at least one fatality. The Dominican government defends its actions, claiming that limiting access to healthcare for foreign nationals improves care for the local population. However, this justification is challenged by the fact that 36% of births in the Dominican Republic last year were to Haitian women. While the deportations contravene internal laws and binational accords, the situation highlights the urgent need for international attention and intervention to protect the rights of vulnerable Haitian women and their children.