Delivering Babies Under Fire: How Kherson’s Perinatal Center Defies War.

Inside Kherson’s Perinatal Center: Life on the Frontline

According to UATV: Despite relentless shelling by Russian forces, Kherson’s perinatal center remains operational, with women giving birth in bomb shelters. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, annual births in the region have plummeted from 1,500–1,600 to just around 150. The center itself opened on January 1, 2025, after a grim period following the Russian occupation on March 1, 2022, when women were forced to deliver at home or in basements due to the collapse of safe medical services.

Since its opening, the facility has been struck by artillery five or six times, underscoring the constant danger faced by patients and staff. To provide context for an international audience, Kherson remains a contested city near the front lines, where civilian infrastructure is frequently targeted. The center’s operations highlight the resilience of Ukraine’s healthcare system amid ongoing hostilities.

Dedication of Medical Staff

“We defended our maternity hospital because we had the staff, a place to work, and we didn’t fall apart.” – Petro Marenkovsky

This statement reflects the team’s unwavering commitment under fire. Marenkovsky added: 'The Russians entered on March 1. There was no life in the city at all—it simply stopped for several days.' Volodymyr Horbachevsky, another specialist at the facility, noted: 'We only handle uncomplicated births here.'

The situation in Kherson remains dire, but the perinatal center persists in providing essential care to women during wartime. Its continued operation is vital for supporting a population enduring immense hardship. The drastic drop in birth rates mirrors broader challenges to women’s health and psychological well-being, with potential long-term demographic consequences for the region. That medical workers carry on despite such threats underscores their professionalism and deep dedication.