A healthy entry into this life is the birthright of every child. Yet in Haiti, a healthy birth is not something taken for granted. Haiti has one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in the world.

In developing countries infant and maternal mortality is most frequently caused by infectious disease, pregnancy-related complications and delivery-related complications. An indirect cause is inadequate access to quality medical care. Most Haitian women lack the finances for an institutional delivery and do not have access to professional services. Over 80% of all births in Haiti occur at home and 50% of those without any outside assistance.

In an effort to reduce the unnecessary suffering and death associated with childbearing, International Child Care implemented the Healthy Birth Program. TBAs, or midwives, are the principal source of care for pregnant women in Haiti. Therefore, ICC trains TBAs in the techniques of delivery, importance of proper hygiene, signs of complications in pregnancy or delivery, and the dangers of certain traditional Haitian practices. Once formally trained, a TBA receives a certificate and delivery kit, and is required to attend regular refresher courses.