The Liberia National Police(LNP) has arrested an elderly traditional midwife, Oldma Photo Lloyd, from the Bonja Community in connection with the death of 24-year-old Grace Junior, allegedly resulting from unsafe delivery practices.
The Liberia Medical and Dental Council, in partnership with the Montserrado County Health Team of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Public Safety Department of the Ministry of Justice, launched a joint investigation that led to her arrest.
The Liberia National Police has officially opened a case and is continuing investigations into the matter.
According to preliminary findings, Oldma Photo, who was certified on February 9, 2007, under the MoH’s Integrated Traditional Midwifery Program, allegedly violated national health protocols by conducting a home birth. Although trained traditional midwives (TTMs) are permitted to provide maternal care within their communities, they are required to work under the supervision of licensed medical personnel.
Despite her assignment to a recognized health facility, Oldma reportedly chose to deliver Grace Junior’s baby at her private residence. Investigators say the patient arrived around 5:00 AM but instead of referring her to a qualified healthcare center upon signs of complications, the midwife kept her until around 1:00 PM Grace tragically died after experiencing respiratory distress.
Health officials believe the fatal outcome could have been prevented if the appropriate referral procedures had been followed.
This incident has prompted renewed warnings from the Ministry of Health and its partners, including the West African College of Surgeons, the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS), and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), reminding TTMs of their legal and ethical obligations to prioritize the safety of mothers and infants by adhering strictly to national healthcare guidelines.
Police Targets Unsafe Home Births …Arrests Traditional Midwife
