On this anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights let us work towards women birthing in all babies starting life in an society that respects human rights.
December 10 is the anniversary of the adoption by the United Nations (UN) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR sets out a certain set of rights that are the basic and minimum set of human rights for all citizens.
On this anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights let us reflect on human rights in childbirth.
The concept of safe motherhood is usually restricted to physical safety at birth. Safe Motherhood is more than the prevention of death and disability. It is also respect for every woman’s basic human rights: autonomy, dignity, feelings, choices, and preferences. Because motherhood is specific to women, issues of gender equity and gender violence are also at the core of maternity care.
Women do not lose their basic human rights once they become pregnant. And yet, across the globe, women’s human rights are violated around childbirth. Care provided to pregnant women can either protect or violate the fundamental human rights of the women. The care that women receive during pregnancy and childbirth intersects with the rights to physical integrity, self-determination, privacy, family life, and spiritual freedom. Every woman has the right to access the healthcare support that she, personally, needs for a healthy birth.
Every woman has the right to be respected as the decision-maker about her own care and her baby’s care. Every healthcare system should be equipped to meet women’s individual needs and personal decisions around childbirth.
Safe Motherhood for All Inc. aims to ensure that all women realise their rights to be safe and healthy before, during and after childbirth, through the adoption of the principles of the Respectful Maternity Care Charter in Australia and throughout our region.
On this anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights let us work towards women birthing in all babies starting life in an society that respects human rights.
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