Women’s perspective on human rights aberration resulting from the negative attitudes of maternal health providers- the case of Nanumba North Municipality

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to review the attitudes of maternal care providers and its risks towards maternal care seekers from human rights perspective in Nanumba North Municipality. This study was informed by the litany of reports of mistreatment of women during childbirth at health facilities. It was also to assist in unravelling the widely reported gaps in maternity care despite significant government and stakeholder investments in maternal healthcare as identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana Health Service. Exploratory design was used to explore the experiences of women regarding maternity care services based on four human rights principles: dignity, autonomy, equality, and safety, which also reflected the prominent themes. The experiences of women reflect violations of multiple human rights principles with most respondents harbouring the perception that, most medical officers are inconsiderate and tend to be unfriendly and abusive. While some respondents see no alternative to skilled-based maternal health care delivery, a good number of women would also prefer to seek the services of traditional birth attendants. In general, respondents knew about their basic entitlements as health seekers. However, making the claims for those entitlements seem to be the main challenge. The study recommended among others that human rights be included in the curriculum of health professionals training, the need to partner other stakeholders to embark on rigorous sensitization on human rights in maternal health as well as undertake regular supervision of maternal care officers’ operations. In conclusion, the findings are important for new health care policy, standard practice, and subsequent research.