‘My Wife Died Giving Birth After Trump Cut Funding to Our Clinic’ – Afghan Families Speak Out
Kabul, Afghanistan: Heart-wrenching stories are emerging from Afghanistan as families recount the loss of mothers and newborn babies after the closure of US-backed health clinics. Many blame the Trump administration’s decision to cut funding, saying it has left vulnerable women without essential care during childbirth.
Clinics Shut Down After Funding Cuts
For years, US-funded clinics across rural Afghanistan provided lifesaving maternal and child healthcare. According to health officials, these facilities were often the only medical resource for entire villages. However, funding cuts under former President Donald Trump forced dozens of clinics to shut down, leaving thousands of women without access to skilled birth attendants.
Families Share Devastating Losses
One grieving husband told the BBC: “My wife went into labor, and we had nowhere to go. The nearest clinic had closed months earlier. By the time we reached a private hospital, it was too late.” Stories like his are becoming tragically common, with rural families traveling hours — sometimes days — for medical help that often arrives too late.
Impact on Maternal Mortality
Experts warn that Afghanistan is now facing one of the world’s worst maternal mortality crises. The World Health Organization has previously highlighted that maternal deaths rise sharply when access to skilled care is restricted. The closure of clinics has reversed years of progress in reducing preventable deaths among mothers and infants.
Global Health Community Urges Action
International aid groups are calling on donors, including the United States, to restore funding and reopen clinics. They warn that without urgent intervention, the number of deaths will continue to climb. Maternal healthcare in Afghanistan remains one of the most critical humanitarian challenges.
Political Debate Over Aid Cuts
Trump-era officials have defended the funding cuts as part of broader foreign aid reductions, arguing that Afghan authorities should take more responsibility for healthcare provision. However, critics say the move abandoned millions of women and children who depend on international support for survival.
Hope for the Future
Afghan health workers and NGOs continue to advocate for renewed investment in maternal care. “No woman should die giving birth because she cannot reach a doctor,” said one midwife. Communities hope that global attention on these tragedies will pressure governments to act quickly.
Bottom line: The shutdown of US-backed clinics has had devastating consequences for Afghan mothers and babies.
