Women and newborns need quality maternity care services and healthworkers must be supported to provide that care. There are no exceptions in times of crisis, even the current COVID-19 pandemic, which is putting more pressure on already overstrained health systems.

From forced medical procedures to mandatory separation of mother and baby to lack of personal protective equipment for healthworkers, violations of women’s, newborns’ and healthworkers’ rights are widespread, across geographies and income levels. However, innovative approaches are emerging as women, families and healthworkers look for answers, together.

The Global Respectful Maternity Care Council, a multi-sector group comprised of more than 150 organizations across 45 countries and convened by White Ribbon Alliance, calls on everyone to play their part to ensure that all women and newborns receive vital life-saving interventions and that their right to dignity and respect during pregnancy and childbirth is upheld.