You are the main decision-maker in your care and your baby's care. You should get clear, accurate information throughout your pregnancy so you can make informed choices.
Your rights
The Respectful Maternity Care Charter recognises 7 rights for every childbearing woman:
- freedom from harm and ill treatment
- information, informed consent and refusal, and respect for your choices and preferences, including a companion of your choice wherever possible
- confidentiality and privacy
- dignity and respect
- equality and freedom from discrimination
- timely healthcare and the highest attainable level of health
- liberty, autonomy, self-determination and freedom from coercion.
What consent means
Consent is more than signing a form or being told what will happen. It means:
- you get clear, honest information about every option, including risks and benefits
- you have time and space to ask questions
- your care team listens to you and checks in before any procedure or examination
- you can say yes or no, and change your mind at any time.
Your choices must be respected, including if you make an informed decision that differs from your maternity care providers' recommendation.
You can also:
- ask for an interpreter
- choose who supports you during your care and birth
- ask for care that responds to your cultural, language and personal needs.
Use BRAND to talk with your care team
BRAND is a set of questions to ask about any recommended test or procedure.
- Benefits: What are the benefits?
- Risks: What are the risks?
- Alternatives: What other options are there, including doing nothing?
- Now or nothing: Does this decision need to be made now? What if I decide not to have it?
- Decision: The final decision is yours.
Having early conversations with your care team about important decisions can help you shape your maternity care plan.
Your maternity care plan
This plan helps you think about what matters most to you during your pregnancy, birth, and the weeks after.
Bring it to every appointment so your healthcare team can understand and support what’s important to you.
You can fill this in on your own, with your support person, or together with your midwife or doctor.
Values-Based Maternity Care Plan
This plan helps you think about what matters most to you during your pregnancy, birth, and the weeks after.
Learn more