Morocco is a North African country with a population of over 36 million people. The country has a diverse healthcare system, which includes both public and private healthcare providers. In this article, we will discuss the options for giving birth in Morocco, how to register a birth, and the attitudes towards abortion in the country.
Giving Birth in Morocco
Most births in Morocco take place in hospitals or clinics, with very few taking place at home. The healthcare system in Morocco is well developed and has made significant improvements over the past few years. As a result, the country’s maternal mortality rate has decreased from 275 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 72 per 100,000 live births in 2015.
Pregnant women in Morocco have access to a variety of services, including prenatal care, ultrasounds, and delivery. However, these services are more readily available in urban areas, and rural areas may have limited access to healthcare facilities.
The healthcare system in Morocco is a mixture of public and private providers. Public healthcare is provided by the Ministry of Health, while private healthcare is provided by both private clinics and hospitals. Most Moroccan women give birth in public hospitals, which are often more affordable than private hospitals.
In Morocco, midwives play a significant role in the delivery of babies. They are trained to provide prenatal care, assist during labor and delivery, and provide postpartum care to mothers and newborns.
Registering a Birth in Morocco
Registering a birth in Morocco is a legal requirement and should be done within 15 days of the baby’s birth. The birth must be registered with the Moroccan civil registry, which is responsible for issuing birth certificates.
To register a birth, the following documents are required:
- The baby’s birth certificate from the hospital or clinic
- The parents’ marriage certificate (if applicable)
- The parents’ identity cards
- Two witnesses who have their identity cards
The parents must bring these documents to the local civil registry office and fill out the necessary paperwork. Once the paperwork is processed, the parents will receive a birth certificate for their baby.
Attitudes towards Abortion in Morocco
Abortion is illegal in Morocco, except in cases where the mother’s life is in danger. However, despite the legal restrictions, many women still seek out illegal abortions in the country. According to a report by the Moroccan Family Planning Association, there were over 600,000 abortions in Morocco in 2019, with many women resorting to unsafe and illegal procedures.
The Moroccan government has taken steps to address the issue of unsafe abortions by increasing access to family planning services and providing education on reproductive health. However, there is still a stigma attached to abortion in Moroccan society, which can prevent women from seeking out safe and legal services.
In 2016, the Moroccan government proposed a new law that would legalize abortion in cases of rape, incest, fetal malformation, and endangerment to the mother’s physical or mental health. However, the law has yet to be passed, and the topic remains controversial in Moroccan society.
In conclusion, giving birth in Morocco usually takes place in hospitals or clinics, with midwives playing an essential role in the delivery process. Registering a birth in Morocco is a legal requirement and can be done at the local civil registry office. Abortion is illegal in Morocco, except in cases where the mother’s life is in danger, and there is still a stigma attached to the topic in Moroccan society.