Full Breakdown
Crisis in South Korea's Maternity Care: Pregnant Woman Denied by 16 Hospitals
4/22/2026, 8:59:38 PM
Overview of the Incident
Public outrage has emerged following the refusal of 16 hospitals in South Korea to admit a pregnant woman experiencing abdominal pain. This incident occurred on March 25, 2024, in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, where a 36-year-old woman, 20 weeks pregnant, was initially turned away by multiple facilities due to reasons such as a lack of available beds and no obstetricians on duty. After a three-hour delay, she was finally admitted to a hospital in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, where both she and her preborn baby were reported to be in stable condition.
Background on Healthcare System Failures
The situation highlights a broader crisis within South Korea's healthcare system, particularly in maternity care. Reports indicate that this issue is not isolated; another pregnant woman in Daegu was previously denied care by seven hospitals in February 2024, resulting in the tragic death of one of her twins after a delayed C-section at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. The term "E.R. runaround" has been used by local media to describe the phenomenon of patients being repeatedly turned away from emergency rooms, a problem that has intensified in recent years.
Key Statistics and Data
Despite South Korea's status as one of Asia's wealthiest countries, it faces significant healthcare challenges. The country has approximately 130,000 doctors, translating to only 2.5 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants, which is below the OECD average of 3.7. The lack of adequate medical personnel has particularly affected rural areas, where expectant mothers often have to travel considerable distances to access emergency care.
Official Responses and Proposed Solutions
In response to the ongoing crisis, President Lee Jae Myung has characterized the failures as systemic, affecting not only pregnant patients but individuals with various health needs. Eom Jun-wook, head of the Daegu Fire and Disaster Headquarters, announced plans to enhance the Emergency Medical Control Center by assigning specialized personnel, including experienced nurses and level-1 paramedics, to improve emergency response capabilities.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have raised concerns regarding the adequacy of South Korea's healthcare infrastructure, particularly in light of the increasing number of patients being turned away. The situation has prompted calls for urgent reforms to ensure that all patients, especially vulnerable populations like pregnant women, receive timely medical care.
Verbatim Quotes
- “merry-go-round” by the local news media — have become more acute in recent years, government data shows.” — President Lee Jae Myung
What's Next
As South Korea grapples with these healthcare challenges, further investigations and reforms are anticipated to address the systemic issues within the emergency care framework. The government is expected to implement measures aimed at improving access to maternity care and overall healthcare services across the country.
