Every Mother Deserves a Safe Start: How Mae Tao Clinic Is Changing Lives

In Mae Sot, Thailand, just across the border from Burma, a life-saving clinic is rewriting the story of childbirth for thousands of women who might otherwise be left behind.

Mae Tao Clinic, a long-time partner of Greater Good Charities, is more than a healthcare facility. For women who are refugees, displaced, or living in poverty, it's a lifeline. It’s a place where mothers not only deliver their babies safely, but receive compassionate, culturally informed care and where newborns are welcomed into the world with the promise of a better future.

Delivering Hope, One Baby at a Time

Since its inception, Mae Tao Clinic has admitted tens of thousands of women for delivery.  Many other women have been referred to local hospitals for higher-level care, which was made possible through advocacy and access to low-cost insurance. Despite the challenges many Burmese women face, they can receive free, lifesaving services every day.

Every delivery is attended by skilled midwives working around the clock. These professionals recognize danger signs during labor and act quickly in emergencies, ensuring better outcomes for both mothers and babies. After birth, newborns are enrolled in Thailand’s national immunization program and receive assistance with birth registration - an essential step in opening doors to healthcare, education, and legal protections for the child. 

Why It Matters

The families who come to Mae Tao Clinic often have no other safe or affordable options. Language barriers, poverty, undocumented and refugee status make traditional hospitals inaccessible. Without Mae Tao Clinic, many of these women would face childbirth alone, at great risk to their lives and the lives of their children.

But here, things are different. Women receive care in their own language, surrounded by people who understand their stories and fight for their futures.

And those stories are powerful. Following are some of the stories Mae Tao Clinic has shared with us over the past few years. 

Real Stories of Impact

Moe Thi Dar, a 21-year-old first-time mother, gave birth to her son at Mae Tao Clinic after recently moving with her family to Myawaddy, Burma, in search of better job opportunities. Originally from Hpa-An in Karen State, Moe Thi Dar had to leave school after grade 6 due to financial hardship. After a recent divorce, she found support and safe maternal care at the clinic—crucial access for someone navigating both personal and economic challenges.

Ma Khaing: A New Life, Far from Home

Twenty-year-old Ma Khaing left Burma at 16 to support her family. During the pandemic, she became pregnant but couldn’t access contraceptives due to lockdown restrictions. Despite facing financial hardship and being undocumented, she made her way to MTC, where she gave birth to her daughter, Thae Ei Khaing. “I want to thank the staff and donors for helping me deliver my baby safely,” she shared.

Zin: A Christmas Miracle

On Christmas Day, Zin welcomed her baby boy at Mae Tao Clinic. Despite legal and financial challenges, she received prenatal care, education, and support throughout her pregnancy. When her son developed jaundice after birth, the clinic’s staff provided phototherapy and ensured both mother and baby left healthy and stable.

Khin: Safety and Dignity Amid Crisis

Originally from Karen State, 21-year-old Khin miscarried her first pregnancy and feared complications with her second. Despite being arrested en route to the clinic due to her undocumented status, she continued to attend antenatal visits. Her daughter was born healthy, and she praised Mae Tao Clinic for its free, high-quality care and education on family planning.

Khet Khet Oo: The Strength of a Mother of Twins

After learning she was pregnant with twins, 30-year-old Khet Khet Oo turned to MTC. Her second baby was born underweight and required intensive care. Thanks to the clinic’s ongoing postnatal support, both babies are healthy. “This clinic is the only place we can go,” she said, grateful for the care she received during such a vulnerable time.

A Lasting Impact, Thanks to You

Since 1988, tens of thousands of women have delivered their babies at Mae Tao Clinic, and more than 10% have returned for future births. That’s a testament to the trust and compassion the clinic has built in a region where survival is far from guaranteed.

Every life saved, every child vaccinated, and every mother supported is made possible by a global community of donors who believe that every birth should begin with safety, dignity, and hope.

This Mother’s Day, honor moms around the world by supporting programs like Mae Tao Clinic.