Injustice

Disrespect in health care is an injustice The Journal of Health Services Research & Policy, Jan 2024 editorial says that injustice in health systems are hidden from public view, owing to the persistent marginalisation of certain groups of people, most especially, the socially disadvantaged groups who are most at risk of being disrespected. Disrespect –

Consent

Consent and refusal of procedures during labour and birth Not involving a woman fully in decision making, results in her discomfort and disempowerment = disrespectful care Informed consent is ethically and legally required.  Informed consent is an important aspect of woman-centred care. Not being asked for consent for procedures during labour and birth is an

Language matters

The words we use can heal and harm “Poor communication contributed to 9 in 10 cases of birth trauma.” USA Birth Trauma Association Survey, 2020 We cannot reduce birth trauma without considering language. In 2018, Make Birth Better asked people to share words and phrases said to them during pregnancy and birth that contributed to

The bias against patients and carers in evidence-based medicine

Evidence-based medicine does not mean ignoring the respect, sensitivity, kindness, and compassion due a person. “In evidence-based medicine (EBM), the individuality of patients tends to be devalued, the focus of clinical practice is subtly shifted away from the care of individuals toward the care of populations, and the complex nature of sound clinical judgement is

MHM UPDATE – January 2024

We hope you have all had a fruitful year.  Read about our work over the past year. In 2024, MHM will continue our focus on the impact of disrespectful maternity care on maternal and newborn health, the role of midwives in maternal and reproductive health, and gender equity for childbearing women.  We continue to focus on

Human Right’s Day – Childbearing Is a Human Rights Issue

The right to a positive childbirth experience 10 December 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of one of the world's most ground breaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or

Share your feedback on priority topics for the new Pregnancy and Postnatal Care Living Guidelines

Share your feedback on priority topics for the new Pregnancy and Postnatal Care Living Guidelines   The Australian Living Evidence Consortium (ALEC), the Australian College of Midwives (ACM) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) were recently awarded an Australian Government tender to develop new Living Evidence for Australian

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