I begged them, my daughter was dying': how Taliban male escort rules are killing mothers and babies

This article narrates the harrowing experience of Zarin Gul and her daughter Nasrin, highlighting the dangers women face in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. When Nasrin, pregnant with her eighth child, encountered life-threatening complications, Gul struggled to get her to a hospital amidst numerous Taliban checkpoints. Their journey was fraught with challenges, as they faced scrutiny for traveling without a male guardian. Ultimately, despite their efforts, both Nasrin and her baby died due to delayed medical care, illustrating the tragic consequences of oppressive laws on women's health and autonomy.

Gul, in terror, begged the Taliban fighters for permission to pass, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. Only after lying about their male escort did they relent.

Despite reaching the hospital, it was too late to save Nasrin; excessive bleeding and a ruptured uterus led to the deaths of both her and her baby.

Read at www.theguardian.com