Slovakia's Ministry of Health strongly recommends four-day stays for mothers and babies after birth, regardless of their health. Women who escape hospitals before doctors grant permission must usually leave their babies behind. Numerous Roma women told the AP they were tied up and beaten in hospitals, and shouted at during birth. Maria Lumkova, a Roma health assistant, said there are usually about three such cases every year in the village where she works. Alzbeta Siva, a spokeswoman for Kezmarok hospital, said Roma babies left in the facility can be sent to an orphanage, but only "rarely."

Source: ABC News December 10, 2018 09:22 UTC