What is so controversial about the requirement that a woman has a person she trusts with her during childbirth?

The Association "Baby Steps" has been referring this question to the institutions of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for months, after the Draft Law, which would open a public debate on the right of women in labor to be accompanied during childbirth, was stopped in the House of Peoples of the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As part of the campaign "Accompaniment during childbirth: From initiative to law", which is implemented with the support of the PRAGG project, Baby Steps advocates a systemic solution that would enable women in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to have the right to be accompanied by a person of their choice during the entire birth.

It is important to emphasize: at this stage, there is no talk of the final adoption of the law. They are talking about the draft law and the possibility of finally holding a public debate on the rights of mothers in labor.

And yet, as Baby Steps says, it's hard to think of an issue around which so much effort has been made to prevent even a conversation.

"Why is it a problem for a woman to have a person she trusts with her during childbirth? Why is the 'profession' against it? And which 'profession'? Who was consulted? Who took such a position? Based on what expert evidence and recommendations?", are the questions that Baby Steps publicly asks after months of delay.

As stated by the Association, the right to be accompanied during childbirth is not a luxury, a privilege or a matter of goodwill of the individual maternity hospital. It is a matter of dignity, safety and more humane health care. This is precisely why this topic should not remain trapped in procedures, especially not at a stage where space has yet to be opened for women, families, the professional public and institutions to discuss it publicly. Baby Steps reminds that the Draft Law has not been considered for months, that the public debate has not been opened and that women and their families remain without clear information and solutions. At the same time, those who are against this solution do not come before the women giving birth and the public with a clear, well-argued answer as to why a woman should not have a person she trusts during childbirth.

"Who is so afraid that this will finally be voted on? If you are against a woman's right to have a person with her during childbirth, raise your hand and say you are against it. If you are in favor, raise your hand and say you are in favor. But avoid voting for months? Who is afraid to make a public statement and why?", said the Association.

Through a campaign supported by the PRAGG project, Baby Steps continues to insist on the responsibility of institutions, compliance with procedures and the opening of a public debate on the right of mothers in labor to be accompanied. After several months of warnings, the Association also announces legal actions related to the actions of responsible persons and institutions, about which the public will be informed in more detail.

"The deadlines have expired. The decision has not yet been made. Respecting the Constitution and procedures is not a matter of choice, it is an obligation of the institutions," said Baby Steps.

Attendance at birth is not a political issue that can be postponed indefinitely. It is a question of women's right to a more dignified, safe and humane birth.

And a public discussion is the least that institutions currently owe to women in labor.

Stay tuned for updates on the Baby Steps Facebook page.