Members of the Dominican Republic security forces have detained more than 100 undocumented Haitians, including pregnant women and children during several exercises over a 72 hour period.

The authorities said the Dominican Army had apprehended 108 undocumented Haitians, including 16 minors and 15 pregnant women.

Some of the women were reported as saying that they had intended to give birth in hospitals in the Dominican Republic, because in Haiti in addition to the limitations of access to health care, they have to pay for maternity services.

The military authorities said that since the children and adolescents were accompanied by their parents or other relatives, they will be returned together to Haiti.

The military said all the Haitians who were arrested have now been handed over to the Immigration Service that will be responsible after identification for their deportation.