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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Respectful maternity care from the lens of women and health care providers in Pakistan: An exploratory study
1
Aga Khan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Karachi, Pakistan
2
University of Calgary, Faculty of Nursing, Calgary, Canada
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A321
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Disrespect and abuse during childbirth are prevalent in many low- and middle-income countries, including Pakistan, undermining women’s rights, safety, and mental well-being. Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) is essential for ensuring dignified, person-centered maternity services, yet its implementation and understanding among women and providers in Pakistan remain limited.
OBJECTIVES:
This study explored perceptions and experiences of RMC among postnatal women and healthcare providers (HCPs) to identify key barriers and opportunities for improving respectful maternity care in Pakistani healthcare facilities.
METHODS:
A qualitative descriptive study was conducted across three health facilities in Pakistan: a secondary care hospital, a tertiary care hospital, and a midwifery-led facility. Data were collected through 23 in-depth interviews with postnatal women (n=11) and healthcare providers including, midwives and doctors (n=12), using semi-structured interview guides. All interviews were transcribed, translated, and analyzed using Creswell’s thematic analysis framework. Ethical approval was obtained from the Aga Khan University ethical review committee; written informed consent was secured.
RESULTS:
Three themes emerged: (1) Experiences of care during childbirth, (2) Knowledge and attitudes regarding RMC, and (3) Barriers and recommendations to promote RMC. While some women reported compassionate and supportive care especially in midwifery-led facilities, many experienced verbal abuse, lack of privacy, non-consensual procedures, and discrimination. Both women and providers demonstrated limited understanding of RMC, and many normalized disrespectful practices. System-level barriers included poor infrastructure, inadequate staffing, and lack of policies. Individual-level barriers involved lack of awareness and training.
CONCLUSIONS:
Despite global emphasis on respectful care, gaps in RMC delivery remain substantial in Pakistan. Strengthening education, infrastructure, and policy, while empowering women and supporting providers, is essential to advance RMC and improve childbirth experiences.
KEY MESSAGE:
Effective implementation of RMC in Pakistan requires a multi-level approach involving healthcare system reform, community education, and provider capacity building. Respectful maternity care 1
Disrespect and abuse during childbirth are prevalent in many low- and middle-income countries, including Pakistan, undermining women’s rights, safety, and mental well-being. Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) is essential for ensuring dignified, person-centered maternity services, yet its implementation and understanding among women and providers in Pakistan remain limited.
OBJECTIVES:
This study explored perceptions and experiences of RMC among postnatal women and healthcare providers (HCPs) to identify key barriers and opportunities for improving respectful maternity care in Pakistani healthcare facilities.
METHODS:
A qualitative descriptive study was conducted across three health facilities in Pakistan: a secondary care hospital, a tertiary care hospital, and a midwifery-led facility. Data were collected through 23 in-depth interviews with postnatal women (n=11) and healthcare providers including, midwives and doctors (n=12), using semi-structured interview guides. All interviews were transcribed, translated, and analyzed using Creswell’s thematic analysis framework. Ethical approval was obtained from the Aga Khan University ethical review committee; written informed consent was secured.
RESULTS:
Three themes emerged: (1) Experiences of care during childbirth, (2) Knowledge and attitudes regarding RMC, and (3) Barriers and recommendations to promote RMC. While some women reported compassionate and supportive care especially in midwifery-led facilities, many experienced verbal abuse, lack of privacy, non-consensual procedures, and discrimination. Both women and providers demonstrated limited understanding of RMC, and many normalized disrespectful practices. System-level barriers included poor infrastructure, inadequate staffing, and lack of policies. Individual-level barriers involved lack of awareness and training.
CONCLUSIONS:
Despite global emphasis on respectful care, gaps in RMC delivery remain substantial in Pakistan. Strengthening education, infrastructure, and policy, while empowering women and supporting providers, is essential to advance RMC and improve childbirth experiences.
KEY MESSAGE:
Effective implementation of RMC in Pakistan requires a multi-level approach involving healthcare system reform, community education, and provider capacity building. Respectful maternity care 1
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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