Changing the rights of pregnant women in Poland | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)

30 years ago, pregnant women in Poland did not have the right to choose how they gave birth, how to be supported by their partners in the delivery ward, or share a room with their newborn. In response to the lack of respect during these births, a nationwide campaign was started titled "Childbirth with Dignity." This campaign encouraged Polish women to share their childbirth stories and advocate for respectful maternal care.

The stories that were shared revealed humiliation, lack of privacy, and loneliness during the birthing process. Also the newborns were suffering as well since they were not about to room with their mothers after birth and breastfeed.

The campaign changed the health system and was recognized internationally. It resulted in partners being allowed in the delivery room, visitors allowed to see the mother, and babies placed in their mother's arms after birth. In 2014, the World Health Organization issued a statement that called health systems to commit to promoting the rights of women in childbirth. Now more than 80 organizations have endorsed that statement.

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