Dominican Republic deports pregnant Haitian women and children amid criticism

The Dominican Republic has begun deporting pregnant women, new mothers, and children of Haitian origin as part of a wider crackdown on undocumented migrants, drawing strong criticism from human rights groups and international observers, The Guardian reported.

According to Dominican authorities, more than 130 women and children were deported in one day last week, including 48 pregnant women and 39 new mothers. Officials stated that all individuals received medical evaluations before being discharged and deported.

The deportations come amid worsening conditions in neighboring Haiti, where the collapse of healthcare services has driven many women to seek safer childbirth options in the Dominican Republic. Human rights advocates, including Amnesty International and UN officials, condemned the move as discriminatory and dangerous.

Critics argue the policy forces vulnerable women to choose between health risks and deportation, potentially increasing maternal and neonatal mortality. Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, said the actions may violate international legal obligations and put lives at risk.

Rights groups say this crackdown is part of a broader pattern, including raids and street stops, that has escalated over the past four years. Activists have urged the Dominican government to reconsider policies they describe as harmful to women and children.