• Every year more than half million women die because of diseases and complications causes related to their pregnancy;
• 20 million women suffer from complications during the pregnancy which lead to different forms of disability;
• For every woman dying, 20 other suffer from severe lifelong complications.

Poor or limited prenatal care of women during their pregnancy increase the risk of complications and can cause disability. Frequent problems are: obstetric fistula, punctures in the bladder or vaginal sheath, both causing incontinence and prolapse of the womb. Those two complications push women further into social isolation. Access to anticonception, professional medical care and high-quality obstetrical care; all have a positive influence on the maternal mortality rate and all diminish the risk on physical disabilities.

The physical condition of women with disabilities makes them prone to complications. Consequently access to health care is of vital importance to them. Unfortunately their disability presents them with numerous obstacles in reaching and using the available health care facilities and services. Transportation, inaccessibility of maternity clinics, a lack of medical expertise and equipment and limited financial resources force women to deliver their newborn at home. A high-risk situation that causes the maternal mortality rate to rise.

Article 12 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women stipulates that States Parties are obligated to eradicate all discriminations against women, including the discriminations within the area of health care. The importance of this objective is further reinforced by the principle of equality between men and women. Women should, by consequence, be able to enjoy high-quality health care and have their own input and say in all health matters, including those related to birth control and planning. Ameliorated health conditions of pregnant women are a powerful weapon against complications during the pregnancy. Within the policies and initiatives to improve the health of pregnant women special attention should be given to the situation of women with disabilities, with focus on both physical and practical aspects. It cannot be forgotten this specific target group is one of the most vulnerable of all and they need to overcome numerous barriers to improve their situation.