Rights at Birth: Towards Respectful and Dignified Maternal Healthcare in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, many women approach motherhood not only with excitement and hope but also with fear and anxiety about accessing respectful, informed, and safe maternity care. Our national survey of nearly 700 women, along with 50 in-depth interviews, revealed a serious, systemic crisis in the treatment of pregnant women during check-ups, childbirth, and hospital stays.

Violated Rights and Lack of Awareness

The results highlight alarming trends that contradict basic human rights and European healthcare standards:

• High levels of violence and coercion: 34% of women reported being shouted at or humiliated during childbirth, and 42% underwent medical procedures without adequate explanation or truly informed consent.

• Limited access to information: Only 18% of women received complete and clear information about their birth options.

• Excessive caesarean rates: Bulgaria had one of the highest rates of caesarean sections in Europe in 2024—around 51%, far above the WHO-recommended threshold of 10–15%.

• Suboptimal maternal health indicators: While maternal mortality is relatively low, Bulgaria’s figures remain less favorable compared to other EU countries, such as Croatia.

  
  

These practices undermine women’s dignity, autonomy, and equality—fundamental rights enshrined in European values and standards for humane healthcare.

What is Missing?

Despite research, training, and dialogue with medical professionals, a critical gap remains: the availability of reliable, understandable, rights-based information for every woman in Bulgaria.

Many expectant mothers do not know their rights, where to seek help, how to respond to pressure or abuse, or how to build a collaborative relationship with medical teams.

Our Solution: Awareness and Support

This project aims to create a digital library of resources, including articles, videos, infographics, practical guides, and testimonials. The initiative seeks to:

• Strengthen women’s knowledge and confidence

• Raise public awareness of the issue

• Support dialogue and cooperation with medical professionals

• Promote long-term systemic change

Why This Matters?

Every woman deserves to give birth without fear, humiliation, or violence. Respect, information, and choice are not luxuries—they are fundamental rights.

he project is implemented with the support of the Netherlands Helsinki Committee under the Catalyst of Change program.