A Global Perspective Review on Maternity Dignity and Respect

Promoting respect-based maternity care is a crucial approach for reducing global maternal mortality during the perinatal stages in health facilities. Respectful maternal care (RMC) is a fundamental right for childbearing women, ensuring their dignity, confidence, autonomy, privacy, confidentiality, and protection from mistreatment and stigma. This study aims to review global perspectives on the importance of respect and dignity in maternity care. A brief search of databases was conducted, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and BMJ Journals. Twenty-one review studies published in reputable English Language journals from ۲۰۲۰ to ۲۰۲۴ were evaluated. According to the World Health Organization statement, it is evident that the disrespect and abuse (D&A) experienced by women during Childbirth is a growing concern worldwide. D&A can be defined as interactions within a facility that are considered humiliating/undignified by the community. Various forms of D&A have been reported during childbirth depending on the context and conditions, encompassing physical/verbal abuse, indignity, discrimination, non-confidential care, inadequate information and privacy, unconsented care, denial of admission, restrictions on companions, and unnecessary separation of mother and baby. It appears that global policies aimed at promoting RMC have not been specific enough in order to prevent and eliminate D&A.

کلیدواژه ها:

Maternal Health Services” ، “Human Rights Abuses” ، “Maternity” ، “Respect”