The article discusses the development and launch of guidelines for creating mother–baby friendly birthing facilities, spearheaded by the FIGO Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health (SMNH) Committee in collaboration with various international organizations, including the WHO. Approved in July 2014, this initiative aims to enhance the quality of care and address issues of abuse, neglect, and extortion in maternity facilities. It employs 10 criteria and sets of indicators to ensure respectful, evidence-based care for women and families.
The initiative responds to concerns that slow reductions in maternal mortality may be due to inadequate adherence to evidence-based practices and lack of accountability in maternity care. Observations have revealed instances of abuse and coercion, leading some women to avoid facility-based deliveries. The guidelines emphasize respect for women’s preferences, non-discriminatory practices, and the provision of evidence-based care, including pain relief and immediate skin-to-skin contact with the baby.
Facilities that meet these criteria can be nominated for global certification as mother–baby friendly. The initiative encourages collaborative efforts from UN agencies, governments, NGOs, and donors to improve maternal care worldwide, especially in low-resource settings. The goal is to foster trust and high-quality care, ultimately improving outcomes for mothers and newborns.