DISRESPECT AND ABUSE IN MATERNITY CARE: IMPLICATIONS FOR MATERNAL HEALTH OUTCOMES

Abstract

Pregnancy and childbirth are pivotal events in a woman’s reproductive life, characterized by heightened vulnerability. Ensuring compassionate and respectful maternity care (RMC) is essential for safeguarding women from harm and promoting safe motherhood. RMC encompasses care that upholds dignity, privacy, confidentiality, and informed choice while providing continuous support during labor and childbirth. Despite global advocacy and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, disrespect and abuse (D&A), often termed obstetric violence, remain prevalent in many healthcare settings. Women experience mistreatment, dehumanized care, and abuse during facility-based childbirth, with documented prevalence in Nigeria ranging from 12–98%. Addressing these challenges requires the systematic implementation of RMC, emphasizing the human rights of women and improving maternal health outcomes. This study highlights the urgency of promoting respectful, dignified, and patient-centered care in maternity services to reduce maternal mortality and enhance women’s childbirth experiences.