Challenge
In Nepal, women in childbirth routinely experience disrespect and abuse in health facilities. The problem is pervasive and does not spare anyone, no matter the social, geographical or economic background. This is not only a human rights violation, but it discourages pregnant women from seeking the healthcare that could save their lives.

Solution
Parliamentarians must include the Respectful Maternity Care Charter in the Safe Motherhood and Newborn Healthcare bill and guarantee every woman in Nepal a safe and respectful childbirth experience.

Current Campaigns
During childbirth, women in Nepal have reported being pinched, pushed and hit by health staff, and routinely face rudeness and lack of information in health facilities. This disrespect and abuse can cause women to refuse to go back to the facility, either staying at home to give birth, or going further afield – and telling their friends not to go there either. Because of this pervasive ill treatment, only 19% of births in Nepal are attended by skilled birth personnel – putting countless lives at risk from emergency birth complications. White Ribbon Alliance Nepal is using its extensive national network to mobilize women and communities to demand their rights to respectful care while pressing the government to provide and fund Respectful Maternity Care trainings.

Our Impact
Since its inception, SMNF has promoted a rights-based approach for maternal and newborn health. Dr. Arzu Rana Debua founded SMNF in 1996 and shortly thereafter brought together maternal and newborn health advocates from across the country to form WRA Nepal. As the movement grew, so did its influence. In the past two decades, Nepal has reduced the maternal mortality ratio by 76%, under-five mortality by 73%, infant mortality by 67% and neonatal morality mortality by 42% – but there is still more work to be done. By providing information on safe abortion services to communities, training health providers on the importance of Respectful Maternity Care, and building and equipping birthing centers, SMNF is making sure that safe motherhood is the right of all women in Nepal.