What is an obstetric fistula?
An obstetric fistula is caused when a woman in obstructed labour isn’t able to have an emergency Caesarean Section. The baby’s head, pressed against the mother’s pelvis without relief, causes a large hole to develop between the birth canal and one or both of the bladder and rectum – causing continuous leaking or urine (and/or faeces).
Margaret's Story
Margaret was living – and suffering – with a fistula for over 50 years before she came to be treated at the Reconciliation Hospital in South Sudan. She was delighted to use a bed for the first time in her life, but most of all she was so happy to just have people sit and talk with her after being ostracised for so incredibly long.
Hear her full story in this recording from our Giving Tuesday online event.