The proposal to include amendments to the Law on the Rights, Obligations and Responsibilities of Patients in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina—aimed at opening a debate on the right of women in childbirth to have a companion during labor—was for the second time today not placed on the agenda of the session of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of the Federation of BiH.

It is important to emphasize that no member of parliament voted against the right of women in childbirth to have a companion during labor. However, due to abstentions by a number of representatives, the debate was once again prevented. The proposal was rejected by only two votes, identical to the outcome in November, once again stopping it at a purely procedural level without any discussion of its substance.

The association BABY STEPS expresses serious disappointment with this outcome, especially considering that after the previous session and the attempt in November, women in childbirth and pregnant women clearly and loudly addressed members of parliament, publicly emphasizing how important this right is to them.

The right to a companion during childbirth is a recommended standard of the World Health Organization and represents one of the key mechanisms for protecting the dignity, safety, and psychological well-being of women in childbirth. Allowing a debate on this issue would not burden the parliamentary agenda, but it would send a clear message that institutions recognize the importance of this right.

What is particularly concerning is the fact that the issue of companionship during childbirth is being postponed once again, despite the absence of any substantive objections. Childbirth cannot be postponed—each additional week without a solution means new women giving birth without basic support and legal certainty.

The association BABY STEPS will continue its advocacy efforts and is already preparing for the next parliamentary session in February. Neither we nor women in childbirth will give up on the demand that this issue finally be debated and decided upon.