Jacqueline Dunkley‑Bent, a midwife who now leads the International Confederation of Midwives, has drawn attention to the grim reality of stillbirths. She points out that roughly 2 million babies are born dead each year around the world, a number that equates to one infant dying at birth every 17 seconds.
Her comments stem from a personal encounter early in her career. Dunkley‑Bent was present for a delivery in which the baby’s head emerged from the mother’s vulva, yet no signs of life appeared. Despite her training, she could not accept that the infant had died.
At the time, she was a newly licensed midwife, full of optimism about entering a profession she believed would be filled with life and joy. The stillbirth shattered that naïve expectation, leaving a lasting impact on her professional outlook.
Decades later, Dunkley‑Bent continues to advocate for greater awareness of stillbirths and for stronger support for families who experience this loss. She stresses that the 2 million figure is not just a statistic; it represents families who experience grief, health systems that must adapt, and a silent crisis that often goes unreported.
In her role, Dunkley‑Bent has highlighted the need for improved training for birth attendants, better protocols for monitoring fetal health, and stronger support networks for bereaved parents. She believes that early detection of fetal distress and timely intervention can reduce the number of stillbirths, while compassionate care can help families cope with their loss.
Stillbirth remains a hidden tragedy that demands collective action. By raising awareness, investing in research, and fostering a culture of empathy, the global community can work toward a future where the number of babies born dead is dramatically reduced and those who experience loss receive the support they deserve.
