Joint Declaration - Invitation to Sign

Joint Declaration

on Fundamental Rights Violations, Obstetric Violence and Systemic Deficiencies in Maternity Care

For Constitutional Clarity and the Protection of Fundamental Rights in Childbirth

Birth is a formative event in the lives of families. Experiences during pregnancy and childbirth have long‑term effects on health and life trajectories. The conditions and structures of maternity care have consequences that extend far beyond the individual birth — both individually and societally.

In many places, professional and respectful care is provided every day at a high standard — a level of quality that must be ensured nationwide. At the same time, research, clinical practice and reports from affected individuals show that central elements of safe and respectful maternity care — including informed consent, adequate information, safety, staffing levels and evidence‑based treatment — are not reliably guaranteed in numerous situations.

The RESPECT Study (2025) indicates (…) (Full text available in the PDF version.)

Constitutional Dimension

We, the undersigned, observe realities in maternity care in Germany that endanger the rights, safety and health of all involved: pregnant persons, birthing persons, mothers, (unborn) children, fathers and partners, as well as the professionals working within the system.

We consider it essential that the constitutionally protected interests of all parties — including physical and psychological integrity, sexual self‑determination, dignity and safe working conditions — are consistently respected and protected in maternity care.

These principles correspond to the standards formulated by the WHO in 2014, 2016 and 2025 for safe, respectful, violence‑free and self‑determined maternity care, and are confirmed by international bodies: both the Council of Europe and the United Nations recognise mistreatment and violence in maternity care as human rights violations.

Our Call

We advocate for safe, respectful and rights‑based maternity care in Germany. We consider constitutional clarification to be a decisive step toward effectively addressing existing deficiencies and protecting the rights of all involved — for the benefit of women, children, families, partners, professionals and all affected individuals.

Please note: This declaration was prepared by non‑native English speakers. Minor linguistic adjustments may be made during the final editorial review, without altering the content.

Invitation to Endorse the Declaration

We invite organisations, professionals, researchers, practitioners and individuals with relevant expertise or lived experience to endorse this declaration. By adding your signature, you contribute to strengthening fundamental rights in maternity care and support the call for constitutional clarity, effective protection and systemic reform in Germany.

Invitation to Sign

If you would like to sign the declaration, please contact: mascha.grieschat(a)gerechte-geburt.de

If you are signing on behalf of an organisation, please also send your logo (high‑resolution PNG or JPG).