In conversation with Benjamin Black: What happens to pregnant women caught in humanitarian crises?
This live stream event with MSF doctor and author Benjamin Black, talking about his award-winning memoir, 'Belly Woman', took place on Thursday 29 February 2024.
We are delighted to announce that Dr Benjamin Black – MSF UK’s obstetrics and gynaecology specialist adviser – has won The Moore Prize for Human Rights Writing for his book 'Belly Woman'.
The book documents his experience on the frontline of maternal healthcare during the outbreaks of two deadly diseases: the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone and COVID-19 in London.
The Moore Prize is the only international award honouring books with human rights as their theme, and it is the first time a health-related book has won the award.
To celebrate this win, we hosted a conversation with Benjamin and MSF UK Executive Director, Dr Natalie Roberts.
Natalie interviewed Benjamin about 'Belly Woman' and the powerful stories he includes.
They explored the themes of sexual, reproductive and maternal health during humanitarian crises and the impossible choices and moral dilemmas faced.
They also discussed charting a path forward to establishing guidance for organisations like MSF which aim to reduce the burden of maternal deaths and respond to future emergencies.
About the speaker
Dr Benjamin Black is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist based in London and a specialist advisor to international aid organisations.
He has worked with humanitarian agencies – including Médecins Sans Frontières – as well as government departments, academic institutions and UN bodies.
His focus on sexual, reproductive, and maternal healthcare for people in crisis has taken him to many countries. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he provided frontline healthcare to pregnant women and supported the development of international guidelines.
Benjamin teaches medical teams around the world about improving sexual and reproductive healthcare for the most vulnerable people in the most challenging of environments.
