RESPECTFUL MATERNITY CARE (RMC): SAFE MOTHER HOOD

Abstract

Pregnancy and childbirth are the momentous events in the lives of every woman worldwide and represents a time of intense vulnerability. The concept of “Respectful Maternity Care (RMC)” has evolved and expanded over the past few decades to include diverse perspectives and frameworks. RMC is not only a crucial component of quality of care; it is a human right. A women’s relationship with maternity care providers and the maternity care system during pregnancy and childbirth is vitally important. 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.” Traumatic childbirth experience can have many negative effects, including poor mother-baby bond, unwillingness to breastfeed and poor quality of life. As facility-based birth and the use of skilled birth attendants continue to rise, a focus on quality and RMC remains critical for improving global maternal health. KEY WORDS: Safe Motherhood, maternity care, disrespect, abuse, childbirth