Table 1 The Twelve Principles for Woman-centred Maternity Care in the national maternity strategy

Safety

 Women receive individualised information and appropriate care during the perinatal period that is based on current, high quality evidence.

 Women have access to individualised culturally safe and responsive maternity care, in their preferred language.

 Women access care from a maternity care workforce that is responsive, competent, resourced and reflects cultural diversity.

Respect

 Women are treated with dignity and respect throughout maternity care.

 Maternity care is holistic, encompassing a woman’s physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual and cultural needs.

 Women’s safety and experience of maternity care is underpinned by respectful communication and collaboration among health professionals.

Choice

 Women are provided with and can readily access information about all locally available maternity services.

 Women are supported to make informed decisions and choices about their care.

 Women’s choices and preferences are sought and respected throughout maternity care.

Access

 Women have access to appropriate maternity care where they choose from conception until 12 months after birth.

 Women have access to continuity of care with the care provider(s) of their choice — including midwifery continuity of care.

 Women have access to mental health information, assessment, support and treatment from conception until 12 months after birth