Late in her pregnancy, Emily Nevelle, age 30, was struck with severe pain and profuse bleeding. She most likely suffered a placental abruption, an uncommon, but serious condition when the placenta becomes detached from the uterus and the baby can no longer receive air or nutrients from the mother. Emily’s child didn’t survive the three-hour journey to the nearest hospital in Zwedru. Fortunately, Emily did. It is estimated that 50 percent of women who die in childbirth every year, live in fragile states, yet 75 percent could be saved with access to a midwife or emergency obstetric care. Emily recovered in the maternity ward at the Martha Tubman Memorial Hospital, which Merlin is supporting.