Birth stories of South African mothers of children with albinism: A critical human rights analysis

•Giving birth to a baby with albinism begins a journey from surprise to adaptation.•Responses of midwives, family, and community set the direction of such a journey.•Prompt health education about the cause and care of the condition equip the mother.•Respectful Maternity Care can support integration of knowledge about albinism.•A human rights lens draws attention to mothers as claimants to gender equity and health access.