Maternity and Childcare Domain of Women in Medical Profession

Abstract

Globally, maternity and childcare has been a serious issue for women in the reproductive age group belonging to any socio-economic strata with any educational background. Despite this obvious observation in society, the elephant in the room has been ignored for centuries. The subject of maternity and childcare in the lives of women health care professionals (WHP) is compelling for discussion, since the last two decades have witnessed a progressive trend in the representation of women in the medical profession. Over 50% of undergraduate medical students in India are girls, [1] leading to a substantial increase in the female medical workforce in hospitals and communities working as residents or junior consultants in their reproductive years. Many developed nations have addressed maternity and childcare issues at a policy level for all professions which has given immense support to families with pregnant women and young children. However, such policies are not uniform globally and they are definitely suboptimal in developing and underdeveloped countries. Maternity and childcare issues can act as major deterrents in pursuing a successful and fulfilling medical profession which in turn lead to loss of human resources, skills, and intellectual contribution.