Making maternal health services accessible to all cultures

Childbirth poses a much greater risk for women in developing countries than it does for those in wealthy ones, but there are also huge disparities in health within developing countries. Complications and death from childbirth and pregnancy-related causes are much more common amongst women from cultural and ethnic minority groups than women from mainstream cultures. This article explores the reasons behind the disparity and suggests some solutions, including culturally appropriate health services, and training women from minority communities to act as a cultural bridge and ensure women access state health services.