Serbia's New Childbirth Guidelines: A Step Towards Patient-Centered Care?

Serbia Implements New Childbirth Guidelines: A Step Towards Patient Autonomy? Serbia has recently implemented new national guidelines aimed at improving childbirth practices and increasing patient autonomy. These guidelines significantly reduce the number of routine procedures performed without the mother's informed consent. The changes follow growing concerns about the lack of patient involvement in decision-making and negative experiences during childbirth. According to a recent video report by TV NovaS, a significant percentage of women in Serbia have not been involved in decisions made during their childbirth. "73% of pregnant women were not involved in decision-making during childbirth," states the video. This statistic highlights a concerning trend of medical paternalism. The video also reveals that 96% of these women lacked access to basic support, such as water. The new guidelines aim to address these issues by promoting shared decision-making and respecting the mother's right to choose. However, challenges remain. The video includes an interview with a doctor who defends actions that contradict the guidelines. This underscores the need for ongoing education and improved communication between medical professionals and patients. The implementation of these guidelines marks a crucial step towards ensuring a more patient-centered approach to childbirth in Serbia. However, continued efforts are needed to ensure that these changes translate into tangible improvements in the experiences of pregnant women.