VIDEO: Emiwedet's Story - International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

Emiwedet embodies the heroic nature of sacrificial motherhood. She has persevered and stood in the gap, fighting for dignity and for her son, in spite of the significant emotional and physical trauma she has endured.

Today is the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula and Emiwedet's life is a compelling example of how an estimated 2 million women are impacted by this most serious and preventable injury. Married at 13, and pregnant at 16, Emiwedet became unconscious after 4 days of an arduous, obstructed labour and awoke 24 hours later. Tragically, her unborn baby did not survive and ever since, she has suffered the severe physical and emotional effects, medical complications and stigma associated with an obstetric fistula. 

In this touching video, Emiwedet shares her story, the hope she has found and her fears for the future, as she works to become self-sufficient while caring for her special needs son, who was also born during a second, obstructed and difficult pregnancy.