ZenToks Publication

Chapter 3

Respectful Maternity Care and Pregnancy Outcomes: Advancing Quality, Equity, and Woman-Centred Care

Abstract/Preface

Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) is a fundamental component of quality maternal healthcare that ensures every woman receives dignified, compassionate, and evidence-based care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It emphasizes respect for women’s rights, informed decision-making, privacy, confidentiality, effective communication, and freedom from discrimination and abuse. Growing evidence indicates that respectful maternity care improves maternal satisfaction, increases utilization of skilled maternity services, enhances birth experiences, and contributes to better maternal and neonatal outcomes. This chapter discusses the concept, evolution, principles, and human rights perspective of respectful maternity care, examines its relationship with pregnancy outcomes, reviews recent research evidence, identifies existing challenges, and highlights strategies to strengthen woman-centred maternity services. Promoting respectful maternity care is essential for achieving equitable, safe, and high-quality maternal healthcare worldwide.