When you think of
‘Human Rights in Childbirth’ – what do you see?
Do you see a certain kind of birth?
Do you see a certain image?
Do you think that it is not about you?
Human Rights in childbirth means that a pregnant woman’s
basic rights and freedoms are the same as any other person. A woman cannot have these rights removed
simply for being pregnant or based on where she lives, sexual orientation,
nationality, religion, or any other status.
Women can expect appropriate care. ‘Appropriate care’ means that the
psychological and physical welfare of a woman is protected. Women shall be
treated humanely. Women shall receive care based on the best evidence available
rather than based on routine hospital policies - which do not treat women on an
individual basis and are sometimes shown to do more harm than good. Appropriate
care means a woman is respected in making decisions which will affect her and
her baby.
Human Rights in childbirth affects all women, in all types
of care. And these rights must be
protected equally.
Unfortunately, at times, these rights can be denied. This is
often called a ‘breach’ or ‘violation’ of human rights. Some women who have
given birth instinctively feel they have been denied their rights, that
something just didn’t feel right. Others may not be sure.
What does a human
rights violation look like?
Sometimes, women say they picture a human rights abuse in
extremes. AIMSI hear women say all the time “my birth wasn’t that bad compared
to others”. In reality, a breach of rights can look a lot more subtle. Some examples of Human Rights breaches in
childbirth are: having an examination or procedure done without your
permission, cutting you without asking, or breaking your waters without giving
you the full information. Breaches can also be how you were treated. Were you
listened to? Were your choices respected? How were you treated? Were you cared
for and treated in a dignified and respected manner? Were you
given information on important decisions during your labour and birth?
Sometimes, seeking your permission can be implied. For example: “I am just
going to give you some help” as they are cutting you. This is not consent and
is a breach of your rights.
Any denial of a woman’s rights is not OK.
What does Human
Rights in Childbirth look like?
The right to choose your hospital.
The right to choose your care provider, doctor or midwife.
The right to choose the type of care for your birth: public,
semi private, private consultant led,
midwife led (MLU, DOMINO) in hospital, or home birth.
The right to be an active member in decision making during
your pregnancy, labour and birth.
The right to be given all the necessary information –
benefits and risks – of a test, treatment, or procedure to help you make a
decision. Benefits and risks means that any possible side-effects are explained to you, both for and against. You should also be given the opportunity to discuss 'doing nothing' - asking for more time before making a decision and if there any alternative suggestions you can try.
The right to give your consent, the right to more time, and
the right to refuse.
The right to have your concerns and preferences respected.
The right to be treated in a dignified and compassionate
manner.
The right to have enough staff to look after you.
The right to privacy.
The right to have pain relief, or not.
The right to have maternity care which is based on best
evidence available.
The right to a second medical opinion.
The right to make decisions on the care of your baby.
The right to equality – all women are treated the same.
A recent decision by the European Court of Human Rights
found that it is a basic right for women to decide the terms on which she
becomes a parent. That means women have the right to decide where and how she
gives birth. If you feel your rights were denied, AIMS Ireland would like to
support you. AIMS Ireland will help you in a complaint. We also have legal
experts who can talk to you and provide you with advice. Additionally, our
legal experts can assist in a legal complaint to the European Court of Human
Rights. AIMS Ireland wants to hear from you if you feel your human rights were
breached in any way during your pregnancy, labour and birth. We are interested
in collecting stories from women with a view to publishing them. Your voice
matters and your story will help gain
awareness and protect women’s rights.
If you would like more information on any of the issues here
please contact us at
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