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Partnering with the woman who declines recommended maternity care

Queensland Health has developed resources to support women and their clinicians to jointly plan maternity care when women are, or are thinking about, declining recommended maternity care.

These resources were requested by consumers and clinicians at the 2016 Statewide Maternity Summit. The development of these resources was jointly led by a consumer and an obstetrician, and in collaboration with a large working group of consumers, obstetricians, midwives and other multi-disciplinary (including legal) professionals. In addition to input from the working group, consumers and clinicians from across Queensland were also invited to give feedback.

In 2019, the resources were piloted in seven Queensland maternity services. The resources were refined at each stage of development and have been endorsed by the Queensland Statewide Maternity and Neonatal Clinical Network for use in Queensland public maternity services.

Guideline for women and clinicians

This guideline is intended to support the relationship between women and clinicians through good communication and partnerships.

Information for women (consumers)

The information in the links below will help you understand the process of declining recommended maternity care and your rights.

Forms for women (consumers) and clinicians

These forms can be filled out by both women and clinicians in partnership.

For the interactive desktop/mobile version of the form, your device will need to have Adobe installed. The free Adobe Reader app may need to be downloaded on your phone. The interactive form may not work in Firefox. Edge, Chrome and Safari are the preferred browsers.

Resources for First Nations Communities

For First Nations women:

These resources have been developed by and for First Nations women, consumers, health workers, and clinicians.
They have been co-designed to support yarning between you and your healthcare team.  They may be started by you (e.g. at home and taken to a maternity appointment) or with your midwife, health worker, and/or doctor.

The First Nations Consumer yarning: 'Maternity Care - It's Your Decision' aims to support early yarning about your care.
The 'Yarning and Supportive Care Plan' aims to support you and your health care team if you decide to decline recommended maternity care and where there is an increased chance of clinical harm.  It is to support you and your health care team, to safely provide the care that you want.

These posters have been developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers and clinicians.

Multicultural brochures

Flowcharts

Further information - for clinicians

Acknowledgement

Queensland Health would like to thank the consumers, clinicians, other professionals, and the trial sites (Bundaberg, Emerald, Hervey Bay, Mt Isa, Rockhampton, Royal Brisbane and Women's, and Thursday Island Hospitals) for contributing to the development of these resources.

Contact us

If you have any questions or would like to submit feedback, please email: PSQIS_Comms@health.qld.gov.au

Last updated: 21 July 2022

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