Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions, if any, they have had with countries which receive UK Official Development Assistance about women and girls being held in medical detention due to their inability to pay medical bills relating to childbirth complications; and whether they encourage such countries, in such discussions, to release such women and girls.

The UK is deeply concerned that women are being detained because they cannot pay medical fees, including after childbirth complications. We are currently supporting the World Health Organisation to review the extent of the problem and assess what can be done.

Through our work at country level, we also help promote financing reforms to benefit the poor and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on health. We also advocate for respectful behaviour in health facilities. We are committed to deepen our engagement in this area to ensure respectful and safe maternity care that does not impoverish mothers.