Birth Rights and Advocacy

Every parent-to-be deserves to feel empowered, informed, and respected throughout their childbirth experience. Birth rights are about honoring the fundamental rights each of us has over our bodies, our babies, and our birthing process. In a healthcare system that can sometimes feel overwhelming and impersonal, understanding these rights is essential. It’s about being informed, making decisions confidently, and advocating for yourself. As someone who cares deeply about supporting families in these powerful journeys, I want to share the importance of knowing your birth rights, advocating for yourself, and the transformative role these can play in the birth experience.

At the core of birth rights is autonomy—the right to make informed, independent choices about your body and baby. Autonomy in childbirth means having access to clear, accurate information about your care, the ability to consent to or decline any procedure, and being treated with dignity and respect by your healthcare team. When parents understand and feel empowered to assert their rights, they’re setting the foundation for a positive, memorable birth experience that aligns with their needs and values.

One key piece of birth rights is informed consent. Healthcare providers should offer information in a way that’s easy to understand, empowering parents to make well-informed choices. Informed consent should be thorough, covering potential risks, benefits, and alternatives for each intervention. Unfortunately, not every parent receives this level of transparency. This is where advocacy becomes essential. Advocating for yourself ensures your voice is heard and your choices are respected.

Advocacy can take many forms, such as asking questions during prenatal visits, requesting second opinions, or switching care providers if your needs aren’t being met. It’s about feeling comfortable voicing your preferences, concerns, and boundaries. Sometimes, having a trusted partner, friend, or doula by your side can make a world of difference, helping you navigate difficult conversations with confidence and support.

Advocacy isn’t just an individual effort; it’s a community movement that empowers all birthing people. Many parents-to-be may feel alone or uncertain about voicing their needs, but connecting with others can provide a network of strength and knowledge. Local and online support groups, childbirth classes, and advocacy networks are excellent resources for learning about birth rights and finding your voice. Sharing your experiences and hearing others’ stories can be a lifeline during pregnancy, labor, and beyond.

Understanding your rights also means being aware of the broader systemic issues in healthcare. Communities of color often face disparities in maternal and infant outcomes, which affect the quality and accessibility of care. Advocating for birth rights includes recognizing these inequities and pushing for equitable access to quality care for everyone. Talking openly about these challenges raises awareness and helps drive change for future generations.

Your role as an advocate doesn’t end with birth. In those tender postpartum days, understanding and standing up for your needs is just as crucial. Postpartum support—whether physical, mental, or emotional—isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. Whether it’s breastfeeding guidance, mental health resources, or simply rest and space to heal, advocating for yourself during this time creates a supportive environment for you and your family.

Birth rights and advocacy are not just ideas—they’re powerful tools that shape your experience. When you understand your rights, advocate for yourself, and share that knowledge with others, you help foster a culture of empowerment and respect for all birthing people. Every parent deserves to have their choices honored and their voices heard as they prepare to bring life into the world. Together, we can create a more compassionate and equitable environment for families navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood.

Resources for Birth Rights and Advocacy

Denver Metro Area

• Elephant Circle – A Colorado-based organization focused on birth justice, supporting parents in understanding their rights, especially within marginalized communities. They offer legal advocacy, educational resources, and community support.elephantcircle.net

• MotherWise Colorado – A Denver organization providing support for expectant and new parents, including prenatal classes, postpartum guidance, and advocacy resources. Their focus is on informed decision-making and respectful care.motherwise.org

• Children's Hospital Immunodeficiency Program (CHIP) – A program of Children's Hospital Colorado offering resources and advocacy for HIV-positive parents-to-be, ensuring equitable and respectful care tailored to their needs.childrenscolorado.org

National Resources

• Evidence Based Birth® – Provides well-researched articles and resources on birth practices, empowering parents with knowledge to make informed decisions.evidencebasedbirth.com

• Birth Monopoly – Offers resources on birth rights, informed consent, and trauma prevention. They provide legal advocacy and education for families.birthmonopoly.com

• Human Rights in Childbirth (HRiC) – Advocates globally for respectful maternity care and the protection of birth rights, offering educational resources on legal rights in childbirth.humanrightsinchildbirth.org

• Center for Reproductive Rights – Focused on reproductive and birthing rights, this organization provides advocacy resources and legal support for individuals seeking respectful maternity care.reproductiverights.org