Respectful Maternity Care is a universal human right and a critical strategy to improve maternity care quality and utilization. Pregnancy and childbirth are two things that most women look forward to in their lives. It is one of the most significant events in a woman's life, and it is therefore only fitting that she is treated with the utmost respect throughout her journey.
Despite the fact that Respectful Maternity Care is a universal human right, there is growing evidence of women being treated with disrespect, abuse, and neglect, which is very concerning because it will only add to the anxiety these women are already experiencing at such a vulnerable time in their lives.
As future healthcare professionals, we must advocate for Respectful Maternity Care. Establishing and maintaining a pleasant relationship with our patients by communicating with them in a kind and polite manner can assist in creating a comfortable environment for them. This will strengthen their trust in us, and boost their confidence in the knowledge that we are here to support and protect them from disrespect and abuse throughout their labor process. In addition to fostering meaningful interactions between healthcare workers and women, we should emphasize the importance of delivering safe and timely care that is evidence-based and tailored to the specific needs and preferences of childbearing women and their newborns. It is our responsibility to ensure their dignity and autonomy by empowering them to make informed decisions and promoting their freedom of choice. We should treat them not only as medical patients going through labor and delivery, but also as human beings whose feelings, dignity, choices, and preferences should be respected.
References:
Moridi, M., Pazandeh, F., Hajian, S., & Potrata, B. (2020). Midwives’ perspectives of respectful maternity care during childbirth: A qualitative study. PLOS ONE, 15(3), e0229941. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229941
WHO. (n.d.). RESPECTFUL MATERNITY CARE: THE UNIVERSAL RIGHTS OF CHILDBEARING WOMEN. In 2012. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/woman_child_accountability/ierg/reports/2012_01S_Respectful_Maternity_Care_Charter_The_Universal_Rights_of_Childbearing_Women.pdf