Respectful Care as a Human Right: Key Components of Implementing “Respectful Maternity Care”

Abstract

Over the past few decades the concept of “respectful maternity care” has evolved and expanded to have amore holistic approach. Respectful maternity care is a critical but often neglected area of quality healthcare. It is not only a crucial component ofquality of care but it is also ahuman right. World Health Organization recommendation states that: Respectful maternity care – which refers to care organized for and provided to all women in a manner that maintains their dignity, privacy and confidentiality, ensures freedom from harm and mistreatment, and enables informed choice and continuous support during labor and childbirth – is recommended.Over 90 global organizations, including the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), have endorsed a statement from WHO calling on governments, healthcare institutions and healthcare providers to prevent and eliminate disrespect and abuse during facility-based childbirth. In this chapter, we review the evidence of respectful maternity care and discuss about the significant considerations for professional practice for health care providers.