Lusaka, Zambia — The Zambian health system faces a critical challenge that goes beyond mere statistics. While the country has made significant progress in reducing maternal mortality, the experience of women in delivery rooms remains a pressing concern. Many women still give birth in environments that lack privacy and respect, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to maternal healthcare.

The concept of Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) poses a fundamental question: what would maternal health look like if every woman were treated with dignity and respect? This approach recognizes that the quality of care is just as important as access to care. In Zambia, maternal mortality has decreased in recent years, driven by political commitment, improved services, and strong partnerships. However, the experience of women in delivery rooms varies widely, with concerns around transport, equipment, and treatment.

Disrespect in maternity wards is a symptom of deeper systemic issues, including gendered power imbalances and inadequate training for health workers. The lack of empathy, communication, and accountability in healthcare settings can have far-reaching consequences, eroding trust in the social contract. To address this, Zambia’s health system must prioritize respectful care, recognizing that tone of voice, privacy, and respect for consent are essential indicators of justice.

The country’s reforms, including the Zambia Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition Roadmap, provide a strong policy foundation. However, policy must be backed by political will, funding, and accountability. Parliamentary oversight is crucial to ensure that investments in healthcare infrastructure are matched by systems that value respectful practice. Midwives play a critical role in promoting respectful care, and their training and support are essential to creating a culture of empathy and dignity.

To achieve meaningful change, Zambia must redistribute power, training health workers in rights-based approaches and involving communities in service design. The country must also prioritize postnatal care, recognizing that maternal health does not end with childbirth. By integrating respectful care into the DNA of the health system, Zambia can create a more equitable and just healthcare environment. As the country strengthens its health system, collaboration among parliamentarians, civil society, and health professionals will be critical to ensuring that every woman can give birth in safety and dignity.