Birth Rights Guide: Defending Human Rights During Pregnancy and Birth

At IPOV, we’re proud to share the newly updated Birth Rights: A Resource for Everyday People to Defend Human Rights During Pregnancy and Birth, developed by Pregnancy Justice, Elephant Circle, and Birth Justice Bar (BJB). In the wake of the Dobbs decision and the worsening trends in maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States, this guide is an essential tool for pregnant people, their families, healthcare providers, and advocates.

An Alarming Reality

According to an August 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five women report experiencing mistreatment while receiving maternity care, with even higher rates among people of color. Although civil and human rights never cease during pregnancy, healthcare systems too often fail to protect them—and this guide addresses exactly that gap.

What You’ll Find in the Guide

• Fundamental Rights & Legal Framework
  Clear explanations of the civil and human rights of pregnant people in the U.S., including protections against criminalization and discrimination.
• Practical Tools
  Guidance on recognizing and responding to obstetric mistreatment, informed-consent templates, and self-advocacy strategies for prenatal visits and labor.
• Support Network Resources
  Checklists and respectful accompaniment strategies tailored for doulas, partners, family members, and friends.
• Anti-Racist & Intersectional Approach
  Recommendations to address structural inequities and ensure respectful care regardless of race, background, or socioeconomic status.

Why This Guide Matters

The Dobbs decision has paved the way for restrictive laws that threaten reproductive healthcare access. At the same time, the crisis in maternal safety and quality of care demands that pregnant people know—and are able to assert—their rights. Originally published in 2020, this updated edition incorporates the latest data, personal testimonies, and resources tailored to today’s legal landscape.

👉 Download the full report (English) to access all tools, forms, and practical strategies.

👉 View the Birth Rights Guide in Spanish to share with Spanish-speaking communities and broaden its impact.

At IPOV, we believe everyone deserves respectful, informed, and violence-free maternity care. Please help us spread the word, integrate these resources into your support practices, and work together toward a more just and humane birthing system.