Expectant mothers in Cuba struggle under fuel blockade

In January 2026, the Trump administration enforced an oil and fuel blockade on Cuba, triggering severe energy shortages and widespread blackouts that have especially impacted vulnerable populations, such as expectant mothers.

The shortages of food, milk, and essential medicines are straining maternal care services, making pregnancies more difficult and uncertain.

The BBC’s Will Grant spoke to two expectant mothers facing starkly different realities as the energy crisis unfolds.

Read more about the fuel blockade on Cuba here.

Video by Blanca Estrada.