Dignity in Childbirth: US Women’s Perceptions of Respect and Autonomy in Hospital Births

Abstract

Originality/value These findings address an important, under-examined aspect of women’s childbirth experiences. This study investigates how different birth experiences and interactions either promote or violate childbearing women’s perception of dignity, and has significant implications for the provision of maternal healthcare. The results reinforce the importance of focusing on the socio-psychological dimensions of childbirth.