Egypt Makes First Natural Childbirth Free
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Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population has approved free first natural childbirths for women at hospitals affiliated with the ministry’s curative sector across all governorates, in a move aimed at easing family costs and reducing unnecessary Caesarean sections.
The importance of the decision lies in its practical incentive. It encourages families to consider natural childbirth when medically appropriate, rather than treating C-sections as the default option because of fear, habit, scheduling convenience, or financial pressures. The ministry says natural childbirth is the preferred medical option in uncomplicated cases because of its benefits for mother and baby.
According to Health Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, the decision applies to general and central hospitals under the Ministry of Health that have obstetrics and gynecology services. It does not apply to specialized medical centres, teaching hospitals, or hospitals under the therapeutic institution system.
The ministry says the covered hospitals are equipped to provide the service, with trained medical teams and the necessary equipment in place. That will be the real measure of success: not only making the service free, but ensuring safe, respectful, and medically sound care for every eligible case.
The policy comes as Egypt continues to face very high C-section rates. Egypt’s 2021 Family Health Survey showed that about 72 percent of births were by Caesarean section, placing the issue at the centre of maternal and child health concerns.
The decision does not mean C-sections should be avoided when medically necessary. Rather, it is an attempt to restore balance between medical need and social practice, while reducing avoidable health and financial burdens on families and the healthcare system.
