Obstetric Fistula Stories

During Birth Trauma Awareness Week in Australia, we are reminded that birth trauma can affect every part of a woman’s life — her body, her emotional health, her relationships and her sense of self.

At Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, good nutrition is recognised as an essential foundation of healing for women with childbirth injuries.

On a recent visit to Ethiopia, Karen met MulFitu at Hamlin’s Harar Fistula Hospital, where compassionate care and your support were already helping to change her life.

Semehal is just one of the women whose health and dignity has been restored as a result of Project Zero

Many women live with obstetric fistula for years before finding access to treatment

Sumaya, a mother of ten from rural Ethiopia, survived a ruptured uterus and obstructed labour. She is now recovering at Hamlin’s Harar Fistula Hospital through the world-renowned Hamlin Model of Care.

After six years of suffering with fistula, Abeba found healing at Hamlin. Her inspiring journey led to restored dignity, a supportive marriage, and two healthy daughters

Meet Tani, an expectant mother finding safety and community at a Hamlin-supported Maternity Waiting Home in Gorche. These homes play a vital role in preventing obstetric fistula by bringing rural women closer to skilled maternal health care.