Maternity Care as a Global Health Policy Issue

Cecilia Benoit*, Eugene Declercq, Susan F. Murray, Jane Sandall, Edwin van Teijlingen, Sirpa Wrede

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Governments play a crucial role in defining what is ‘maternal health’ and deciding what services are included in maternity care delivery. State policies also shape the roles of formal and informal care providers, families, the public, and commercial and voluntary sectors in providing maternity as well as newborn and reproductive healthcare services. Reducing health inequities for pregnant women and increasing their access to quality maternity services have been foci of global efforts to realize the right of every woman to the best possible maternity care. In the last half century, most high-income countries have publicly invested in universal healthcare (UHC) coverage for their respective populations, which has included comprehensive maternity care. More recently, several low- to middle-income countries have likewise been investing in universal healthcare coverage.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Palgrave International Handbook of Healthcare Policy and Governance
PublisherBFI Palgrave Macmillan
Pages85-100
Number of pages16
ISBN (Print)9781137384935, 9781349481125
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Jan 2016

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