Letters | More humane policies would not leave pregnant women in Hong Kong dreading delivery or worried about being separated from their children

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As three pregnant women and mothers, we are horrified by the current state of affairs for parents and parents-to-be. Firstly, the uncertainties surrounding parent-child separation policies. Secondly, the return of a ban on birth partners in delivery rooms at public hospitals. Lastly, the shocking revelation that private hospitals were turning away coronavirus-positive pregnant mothers arriving to give birth.

According to the World Health Organization’s pandemic guidelines on childbirth, all pregnant women and their newborns have the right to high-quality care, before, during and after childbirth, including mental health care, regardless of a confirmed or suspected Covid-19 infection.

While extensive media coverage in Hong Kong prompted the authorities to issue a statement on child separation, these minor discretionary reassurances have failed to provide clarity and adequate assurances to parents. There remains much uncertainty as to how pregnant mothers and their partners should prepare for admission to public hospitals and what to expect if they or their newborn test positive for Covid-19.

This is aggravated by the continually shifting terrain as certain public hospitals are designated for Covid-19 patient care and conflicting accounts on the handling of similar cases emerge.