How U.S. Sanctions Affect Pregnant Women and Newborns in Cuba
June 5, 2026
In recent days, Cuban civil society organizations have denounced the devastating impact of the U.S. government’s economic war on the Cuban people.
Dr. Dayana Couto Núñez, president of the Cuban Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, says shortages of medicines, medical supplies, technology and fuel are affecting surgeries, ultrasounds, diagnostic tests and maternal care.
According to Couto, the situation is making it harder to detect congenital malformations early and to care for premature and low-birth-weight babies, who often require specialized medication and high-tech neonatal equipment.
“Neither our women nor our children are to blame,” she said. “They need medical care, medicines and quality resources.”.
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"The blockade we are currently experiencing affects imports of medications, medical supplies, and technology. The energy blockade affects surgeries, ultrasounds, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. It affects gynecological health," said Dr. Dayana Couto Núñez, president of the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Cuba.
"We are falling short in achieving early diagnoses of congenital malformations, which are the second leading cause of infant mortality. We have many children born with a low birth weight. A low birth weight and premature births demand resources and medication. These cases entail prolonged stays in neonatology units that require high-tech equipment," Couto Núñez said.
"Our women and kids are not to blame. They need to be treated, given medical attention and quality resources, technologies, medicines. They aren't to blame for U.S. policies and the damage felt by the Cuban people," she concluded.
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