Beyond the Delivery Room: Why Respectful Maternity Care Matters
"New research reveals gaps in person-centered maternity care in low-income countries, highlighting the need for dignity and respect during childbirth."
Childbirth should be a moment of joy and empowerment, but for many women in low-income countries, it's marred by disrespect, abuse, and neglect within healthcare facilities. While skilled care during childbirth is critical for preventing maternal deaths, a new study reveals that quality care extends far beyond medical expertise. It emphasizes the urgent need for 'person-centered maternity care' (PCMC)—care that is respectful, responsive, and tailored to the individual needs and values of each woman.
Previous research has largely focused on documenting instances of mistreatment. This latest study, published in The Lancet Global Health, takes a broader approach by measuring PCMC across four different settings in Kenya, Ghana, and India. The findings paint a concerning picture: women are consistently missing out on essential elements of respectful and supportive care during childbirth, regardless of the setting.
This article explores the key findings of this important study, highlighting specific gaps in PCMC and what can be done to ensure that every woman experiences a safe and dignified childbirth.
What Does Disrespectful Maternity Care Look Like?
The study, which involved over 3,600 women, used a validated scale to assess PCMC across three key domains: dignity and respect, communication and autonomy, and supportive care. While the average PCMC scores varied across the study sites, the lowest scores consistently fell within communication and autonomy. This suggests a systemic failure to involve women in decisions about their care and treat them with basic courtesy.
- Lack of Introduction: A staggering 90% of women across all countries reported that healthcare providers never introduced themselves.
- No Permission for Procedures: In India, 73% of women said providers never asked permission before performing medical procedures.
- Unexplained Procedures: Over 60% of women in Ghana and India reported that providers did not explain the purpose of examinations or procedures.
- Medication Without Explanation: Nearly 60% of women in India were given medications without any explanation.
- Inability to Ask Questions: Over half of women in Ghana felt unable to ask questions about their care.
- Verbal and Physical Abuse: While less prevalent, 16% of women reported verbal abuse, and 3% reported physical abuse.
The Path Forward: Towards Respectful and Responsive Maternity Care
The study's authors emphasize that simply preventing abuse is not enough. True person-centered care requires a proactive approach to ensuring dignity, respect, and open communication throughout the childbirth process. This includes simple yet impactful steps such as introducing oneself, explaining procedures, and actively involving women in decision-making.
To create meaningful change, the researchers recommend:
Healthcare providers must be trained on the importance of PCMC, patient rights, and effective communication strategies. Clear measurement and accountability mechanisms are needed to reinforce PCMC practices. Ultimately, improving maternity care requires a comprehensive approach that strengthens healthcare systems and empowers women to demand respectful and responsive care.