Dominican Republic: IACHR Debates Health Care Access for Haitian Migrant Women as Calls Grow to Increase Repatriations

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) held a hearing examining the impact of Dominican migration policies on the right to health, particularly for Haitian women receiving care in hospitals across the country.

Several civil society organizations criticized measures they describe as restrictive, discriminatory, and xenophobic. They argue that protocols governing health services for foreigners create a climate of fear among Haitian migrants.

According to these organizations, although health care is not officially denied, the possibility of deportation for undocumented patients discourages some women from seeking medical attention.

Data from the Servicio Nacional de Salud (SNS) shows that births to Haitian mothers fell from 32,967 in 2024 to 18,434 in 2025, a decline of more than 14,000 births in one year.

In January 2026 alone, 1,114 births to Haitian women were recorded, compared with 3,023 in January 2025, representing a 63% drop.

Organizations warn that some women may now choose to give birth at home without medical supervision, potentially increasing maternal mortality risks.

The delegation of the Dominican Republic defended its policies before the commission, stating that health care is recognized as a fundamental right and that services are provided without discrimination based on nationality.

Authorities reported that the country has 2,179 health facilities, including 1,982 primary-level care centers, accessible to anyone in need of medical attention.

Officials also pointed to differences in maternal mortality indicators: 97 deaths per 100,000 births among Dominican women, compared with 234 per 100,000 among migrant women, presenting current policies as part of a sustainable health system organization rather than a restriction of rights.

The IACHR expressed concern about certain migration enforcement procedures, particularly those that may lead to deportations.

The commission proposed opening a technical dialogue between the Dominican state, civil society organizations, and international partners to ensure access to health services without discrimination.

The hearing took place during the 195th session cycle of the IACHR, held in Guatemala, where 29 debates on urgent human rights situations are scheduled.

Haitian crisis: Duartiano Institute calls for stronger repatriations

At the same time, the president of the Instituto Duartiano, Wilson Gómez Ramírez, urged Dominican authorities to maintain and strengthen repatriations of Haitian migrants living in the country without legal status.

His remarks were made during a ceremony at the Altar de la Patria commemorating the 209th anniversary of the birth of Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, a key figure in the Dominican independence movement.

According to Gómez Ramírez, the institutional, political, and social crisis in Haiti cannot be resolved without decisive international intervention. He also argued that the Dominican Republic cannot bear the consequences of the neighboring country’s crisis alone.

In this context, he emphasized the importance of defending national sovereignty and institutional order, which he described as fundamental principles of the Dominican state.

The Duartiano Institute president also recalled the historical role of Francisco del Rosario Sánchez in the Dominican independence movement alongside Matías Ramón Mella and the Trinitarians. He highlighted Sánchez’s proclamation of independence at the Puerta del Conde and his leadership of the provisional government.

Soraya Ades.