Delivery Is an EmergencyPro-Temp. Karnga-Lawrence Condemns JFK

The Pro-Tempore of the Senate and Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence has strongly criticized a new policy introduced by the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center (JFK), which mandates upfront payments from women seeking Caesarean section services before receiving care. According to an updated price list released by JFK and effective August 1, patients requiring C-sections must pay a minimum fee of USD $90 prior to surgery. Additional charges are also listed for admission, laboratory tests, and medical supplies. The hospital has made it clear that no procedure will be performed without a deposit, sparking alarm across civil society and among public officials. Reacting to the development, Senator Karnga-Lawrence issued a strong rebuke of the policy, emphasizing that childbirth is not a commercial service but a critical medical emergency. “No woman in labor pain should have to pay a deposit before admission at any government hospital in Liberia. Delivery is an emergency,” she declared. The Senator, who has long been an advocate for women’s rights and maternal healthcare, warned that the policy could result in preventable deaths, especially among low-income women who cannot afford upfront costs. In a country where maternal mortality remains one of the highest in the region, Senator Karnga-Lawrence called on the government to urgently intervene and ensure that emergency obstetric care remains accessible, timely, and free of financial barriers. She added that she and other concerned lawmakers are already engaging relevant stakeholders to reverse the policy and prioritize emergency care. Health experts and rights advocates have also expressed concern that such policies risk violating international health standards and Liberia’s own commitments to improving maternal and newborn health under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “This is not just a healthcare issue; it’s a human rights issue,” said a representative from a local women’s health NGO. “Turning away a woman in labor because she can’t pay is not only unethical—it’s dangerous.” Senator Karnga-Lawrence urged the Ministry of Health to immediately review JFK’s fee structure and reminded the public that government-run facilities must serve public health interests first, not revenue goals. As the backlash continues, the Senator reaffirmed her stance: “Liberian women deserve dignity and timely care. We cannot put a price tag on life.”