There are 140 million births per year globally, mostly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where the vast majority of pregnant patients do not have access to labour analgesia. WHO emphasizes the necessity of high-quality, respectful maternity care and champions women's right to a safe and positive experience during pregnancy and childbirth, regardless of the circumstances.
During childbirth it should be unacceptable for laboring patients to experience untreated severe pain that is amenable to safe interventions. Untreated pain can have serious consequences for both maternal and fetal wellbeing.
