Objective:

To reflect on the concept of humanised childbirth and the differential performance of healthcare staff and institutions according to the clinical, social and economic conditions of the mothers. A set of questions are asked by means of a review of the world literature on this topic, based on the premise that the experience of humanised childbirth is less frequent in adolescents, high-risk pregnancies or mothers of low socioeconomic condition. It has been found that, although humanised childbirth has been defined and appears in documents and care guidelines of international organisations proclaiming its application in every pregnant patient during prenatal follow-up, labour and delivery, it does not benefit all women equally. Studies are presented that provide examples where the experience of humanised childbirth is less frequent among adolescents, high risk pregnancies, or mothers of low socioeconomic level. These differences might constitute inequity, or worsen it, and they play out against the health of disadvantaged women who should in fact be subject to greater care, given their vulnerability.

Conclusions:

Inequalities in the experience of humanized birth depending on age, risk and socioeconomic level may be additional proof of inequity in healthcare for women in a situation of poverty and marginalization. Commitment on the part of healthcare practitioners and institutions alike is required in order to build equitable humanized childbirth conditions.

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