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WHO, UNICEF and Partners Publish First Global Guide on Respectful Maternal and Newborn Care
WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF and HRP jointly published the implementation guide aimed at eliminating mistreatment during labour, childbirth and newborn care. The compendium builds on a 2014 WHO statement and draws on 2019 research showing high rates of abuse and non-consensual procedures. Health programme managers are the primary audience for the new resource.
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Leading global health and development agencies released the Compendium on respectful maternal and newborn care, the first-of-its-kind implementation guide to help countries provide respectful, dignified care and eliminate mistreatment across maternal and newborn health services.
The compendium aims to assist nations in delivering care that upholds dignity while addressing forms of mistreatment ranging from neglect and abuse to non-consensual medical procedures. It was published by WHO together with UNFPA, UNICEF and the United Nations’ Special Programme on Human Reproduction (HRP), with support from Jhpiego and the MOMENTUM Country and Global Leadership programme.
A 2019 study by the UN’s Special Programme in Human Reproduction (HRP), supported by WHO, was conducted in four countries. The study found that over 40% of women experienced abuse or discrimination during labour or childbirth. In the 2019 study some women were slapped, shouted at, or forcibly restrained.
Women in the same study reported that more than 75% of episiotomies were performed without their consent. They also reported that 60% of vaginal examinations were performed without their consent. The compendium builds on WHO’s 2014 statement on preventing disrespect and abuse during childbirth.
It represents the first global effort to translate principles of respectful care into tangible implementation strategies and reflects a decade of expanded research and advocacy in the area. ” Dr Hedieh Mehrtash added that women are not part of decision-making and are treated with contempt or even abuse.
