RESPECTFUL MATERNITY CARE

 When you walk in the ward, you’re not just dealing with contractions and vitals, you’re dealing with fear, stress, pain, trauma and emotions. RMC helps you handle all of that with compassion and professionalism.

What is RMC (Respecful Maternity Care)

This refers to giving care that is safe, respectful, kindness, fairness and women centered. It ensures every women is treated with dignity throughout pregnancy, labor and postpartum.                                                    It is based on the seven components of child bearing women.

The 7 rights of childbearing women

  1. Freedom from harm and ill treatment

No physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse. Midwives must provide gentle and respectful care. No shouting, no slapping, ignoring or rough handling.

     2. Right to information and informed consent 

Clarity is the key to a peaceful mind. Before proceeding with any procedure it’s very important to explain and obtain consent. A woman must be told what is happening to her, why a procedure is needed, and the benefits/risks.

Nothing should be done to her without her permission.
She must be allowed to make choices about her own care and birth.

      3. Right to privacy and confidentiality 

A woman’s body should be protected from unnecessary exposure.
Her medical information must be kept confidential.
Use curtains, closed doors, and keep personal details private.

     4. Right to dignity and respect 

Healthcare workers must treat women with:

  • kindness

  • courtesy

  • empathy

  • respect for cultural or personal preferences

No insults, embarrassment, 

    5. Right to equality and freedom from discrimination 

All women must be treated equally, regardless of:

  • age

  • race/ethnicity

  • religion

  • income

  • HIV status

  • marital status

No woman should receive poorer care because of who she is.

    6. Right to be accompanied and continuous support 

A woman has the right to bring a companion of her choice—partner, sister, mother, or friend.
Someone should always be present to give her emotional support, especially during labor.

   7. Right to liberty and freedom

A woman must not be:

  • forced into procedures

  • threatened

  • detained in the facility

  • pressured into decisions

She has the freedom to choose what happens to her body.

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