Overview
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.
Access the framework
Access to the Respectful maternity and newborn care framework is available to anyone. To assist with the evaluation of the implementation of this framework, we ask that you please complete this short form and a link to the document will be sent to you via the email provided. All information collected is private and confidential and will not be shared outside of the Department of Health or Safer Care Victoria.