Many of you reading this post are women who have given birth. What do you remember about that experience? Most women remember it for the rest of their lives. Just ask any mom out there about her births and she can pretty much recount them moment-by-moment. That is one of reasons it is so special to be part of that time in a women's life, because they remember you and your care forever.
Throughout the world today however many women are not experiencing the care you would want for yourself during those special moments. This happens in poor countries as well as rich. A number of organizations, including White Ribbon Alliance have recently started a campaign to highlight the need for respectful maternity care around the world.
I have experienced situations both here in the US and in Indonesia where women were not respected during those very vulnerable moments. One moment sticks in my memory from Indonesia. I was present at a birth (not at Bethesda) where the midwife slapped and yelled at the women giving birth about not getting prenatal care or coming to the hospital when her labor started. The situation was made all the worse by the fact that the women was delivering her baby who had already died at the time.
Here in the US jaded by those we see as "unfit mothers" (including those frequently abusing alcohol or drugs during their pregnancy) we don't treat every woman with the respect she deserves. I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten report and been told "she is one of those patients" or we picked you to be her nurse because "she and/or her family needs lots of patience." I know I have said some of the same things before during a long 12-hour shift. In reality though, that is no excuse and I have to admit reading through the charter and watching this film was convicting for me.
The 7 Universal Rights of the Childbearing Women
1. Every woman has the right to be free from harm and ill treatment.
No one can physically abuse you.
2. Every woman has the right to information, informed consent and refusal, and respect for her choices and preferences, including companionship during maternity care.
No one can force you to do or do things to you without your knowledge and consent.
3. Every woman has the right to privacy and confidentiality.
No one can expose your or your personal information.
4. Every woman has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
No one can humiliate or verbally abuse you.
5. Every woman has the right to equality, freedom from discrimination, and equitable care.
No one can discriminate because of something they don't like about you.
6. Every woman has the right to healthcare and the highest attainable level of health.
No one can prevent you from getting the maternity care you need.
7. Every woman has the right to liberty, autonomy, self-determination, and freedom from coercion. No one can detain your or your baby without legal authority.
