Nyamko Sabuni, the Swedish Minister for Integration and Gender Equality, spoke during a conference in the UN-building last week. Sabuni presented the importance of mother care and safe child birth. Unfortunately, the Swedish law can easily be seen as an obstacle for the pregnant undocumented migrants.

Half a million women die every year on account of pregnancy and giving birth. This number is a disgrace for the world and many of the deaths could be prevented. Nyamko Sabuni’s speech is definitely an effort to reduce the number, but it could be more convincing. Today, the Swedish law contribute to dubiety and fear among the pregnant undocumented migrants who don’t feel safe ahead of their child birth. [1]

In Sweden, undocumented migrants do not have the legal right to a delivery in the Swedish healthcare system on the same premises as nationals. Different initiatives have been made in some of the county councils to ease the situation for pregnant women. For example in Stockholm, undocumented migrants get offered the possibility to give birth without paying the full price. But according to the law, undocumented migrants have to pay the full cost if they need to deliver in a Swedish hospital. The number on that bill is something like 2500 €, and that is if there is no complications at all during the birth. There is no chance at all that the undocumented migrants could pay this.

It is worth noting a few things in Sabuni’s speech. If someone feels offended when the Minister get quoted without describing the context, I encourage you to read the whole speech on the government’s homepage

 "To fight maternal mortality and disability as a result of pregnancy and childbirth should be a priority for every country and government."

Well said ! And the best thing is that the Swedish government can start prioritizing this today. Pregnant undocumented migrants should have the same equal access to subsidized maternity care in Sweden as nationals.

  "This is a serious human rights issue. Women and girls die because political leaders do not focus on women’s health. Because resources are not provided."

Correct once again, Minister ! The Human Right-perspective is definitely worth bringing up to daylight in this debate, especially when it takes place in the UN-building.

 "The point of departure for the Swedish special effort is the need for both immediate and more long-term measures to improve maternal health"

Yes Minister, therefore self-criticism to the government and the state of Sweden ! There are many good things in international politics that Sweden has fought for. But to put pressure on other countries without being aware of the problem in its own backyard, that leaves Sweden less right to have expectations on our countries. And it gives other countries a reason to listen less to Swedish reproach.