Safer Care Victoria (Australia): Respectful Maternity and Newborn Care Framework

Summary

The Respectful Maternity and Newborn Care Framework is a practical tool that supports clinicians and consumers to work in genuine partnership – especially when a woman makes an informed decision about her care pathway that differs from clinical recommendations. It provides case studies, flowcharts, and tools to guide informed decision-making, ensuring that a woman’s autonomy, dignity, and cultural needs are respected throughout her maternity journey.

This framework supports health services at all levels of capability and across all specialties, ensuring that a culture of respect is embedded in every individual’s practice and in every facet of clinical governance. It serves as a guide to help cultivate an environment where respectful maternity and newborn care is not only a priority but a fundamental part of how we operate.