In order to better understand the trade-offs related to various methods for measuring the prevalence of disrespect and abuse (D&A) during childbirth in health facilities, researchers conducted a systematic literature review of studies that have attempted to measure D&A. They then collaborated with the authors of these studies to compare methods and offer lessons learned…read more
The Struggle to Provide Culturally-Appropriate Maternity Care
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A Little Respect: Improving Maternity Care
Posted onMeasuring Women’s Autonomy and Respect During Maternity Care
Posted onEnsuring that women receive high quality, respectful maternity care is essential, but designing and implementing indicators to accurately measure women’s experiences can be challenging. Professor Saraswathi Vedam and colleagues recently published two papers describing new measures related to the quality of maternal health care…read more
Disrespect and Abuse During Childbirth in Nigeria
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Although the literature on violations of respectful maternity care principles around the globe is substantial, there have been relatively few studies conducted in the Nigerian context. A recent systematic review in PLOS One examined the quantitative and qualitative evidence on women’s experiences of disrespect and abuse during childbirth in Nigeria…read more
Respectful Maternity Care: A Basic Human Right
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Respectful maternity care is not only a crucial component of quality of care; it is a human right. In 2014, WHO released a statement calling for the prevention and elimination of disrespect and abuse during childbirth, stating that “every woman has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including the right to dignified, respectful care during pregnancy and childbirth.”…read more
Respecting Choice in Childbirth: Preferred Delivery Positions Among Ethnic Minorities in Vietnam
Posted onFor Vietnam’s ethnic minorities, their cultural preferences and traditions surrounding childbirth are often portrayed as obstacles to the uptake of maternal health services. One cultural preference that is viewed as a barrier to receiving maternal health care is the use of traditional birthing positions. Providing high quality care requires evidence-based policies that respect the cultural practices, preferences and needs of ethnic minorities…read more
Promoting Respectful Maternity Care in Tanzania
Posted onDisrespect and abuse during childbirth has been observed and recorded all around the world. In addition to being a human rights violation, disrespect and abuse during childbirth discourages women who experience it from seeking health care in the future and ultimately results in poor health outcomes. As a result, a number of organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have called for improved measurement, programs and advocacy addressing this global issue. With support from The John and Katie Hansen Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Maternal Health Task Force (MHTF) established a research project to measure the prevalence of disrespect and abuse during childbirth in Tanzania and Ethiopia and to develop effective interventions…read more
Respect During Childbirth Is a Right, Not a Luxury
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Respectful maternity care is sometimes framed as a ‘soft issue’ without the same urgency as emergency obstetric services, but the consequences of mistreatment can be serious and far-reaching. As we celebrate International Day for Maternal Health and Rights, let’s bring mistreatment of women and RMC to the forefront as an urgent priority in global health care strategies…read more
How to Improve Respectful Maternity Care Through Community Engagement
Posted onIn 2014 it was estimated that only 15% of Ethiopian women deliver in a health facility. In order to engage the community in improving the quality of healthcare, participatory community quality improvement (PCQI) was implemented. As facility delivery was discussed in PCQI meetings, it became clear that quality of care was a significant concern in the community. Women said that they felt they were not treated respectfully when they went to health facilities; though at home, traditional birth attendants — who know the community and its culture — treated them much better. Of course, the health outcomes are worse when women deliver at home, especially when women require emergency obstetric care. Our goal, in collaboration with the government, is to increase the number of women delivering with trained health care workers in facilities… read more