Editor,

Allow me to react to the article, "Midwives: Are labour wards turning into torture chambers?” (The New Times, March 12).

As a midwife, committed to compassionate, respectful and evidence based care, it’s devastating to hear about such cases. Many professional Rwandan midwives are working hard to provide respectful care, whether male or female.

As a woman and a mother, I treat every woman in my care as if she were my relative. With the care I would want if I were in her position. Dignity in childbirth is essential. A woman never forgets her birth, how she was treated, or what words were spoken to her.

Please know that there are many midwives in this country who are working hard to provide women with respectful care. Not all midwives can be painted with the same brush.

Jocelyn Jelsma