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Abstract
All global organisations involved in setting standards of care for sexual and reproductive rights for women have strongly emphasised that care during pregnancy, labour and post-partum should not only focus on preventing maternal deaths and complications but should provide a women centred care to meet their individual needs and human rights principles. Maternity care should respect autonomy, privacy, dignity, confidentiality and involve women in decision making at each stage during pregnancy. It is deeply concerning that most women surveyed in the UNFPA EECARO supported research, covering the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia has reported at least one episode of obstetric mistreatment. Such experiences can have a long term impact on maternal health and wellbeing. European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG) asserts that an interdisciplinary multi-faceted strategic approach is needed to address challenges for the provision of respectful care.