Outrage in Egypt after woman gives birth on sidewalk in Qena

Legal measures had been taken to safeguard the children's wellbeing

Last updated: September 24, 2025 | 11:47

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Dubai: A wave of shock and sympathy swept through Egyptians and social media on Tuesday after images circulated showing a woman in extreme distress following childbirth on a sidewalk in Qena, Upper Egypt, local media reported. Authorities responded promptly to social media and emergency calls, rescuing the mother, her newborn, and a two-year-old child who was with her at the scene.

According to eyewitness accounts, the woman was lying near the Qena parking complex, exhausted and surrounded by birth-related blood, while bystanders rushed to help. Witnesses said she was suffering severe bleeding and extreme weakness, at one point losing consciousness, after giving birth under harsh and inhumane conditions.

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Child protection authorities in Qena swiftly dispatched an ambulance, transferring the mother and her newborn to Qena General Hospital for urgent medical care. The woman was accompanied by another child, no older than two, adding to the gravity of the situation and prompting public concern about the circumstances leading to the incident.

Officials confirmed that legal measures had been taken to safeguard both children and ensure their wellbeing, while monitoring the mother’s critical condition. The identities of the woman and her children remain undisclosed, and the precise circumstances of the roadside birth are still under investigation.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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