Iraq's birth rate soars despite obstacles

[ECH1969]

Relentless fighting, spontaneous road closures and a nightly curfew are among mounting challenges expectant mothers and their families face.

Despite these obstacles, the birth rate in Iraq has increased since the U.S.-led invasion 43 months ago, according to the health ministry. In fact, the ministry found, the rate of births in the country has jumped from 29 per 1,000 in 2003 to 37 per 1,000 last year.

In neighboring Iran, the birth rate is 19 per 1,000, while the average birth rate in the Middle East is 25 per 1,000, according to the World Bank. The birth rate in the United States is about 14 per 1,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

As a result of the swelling birth rate in Baghdad's volatile environment, many physicians here also say they are performing more cesarean deliveries than ever.

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