Access to pre- and postnatal care and social inequality – three case-studiesof a German family-midwife

Abstract

The health of mothers and their infants are sensitive markers for the quality and immanent equity of a health care system. Access to maternity services and infant screening programs is a precondition for the reduction of maternal and infant morbidity-, respectively mortality rates. Very good outcomes in maternal and infant health can only be attained by granting equal accessibility to pre- and postnatal care to all women regardless of their social, economic, cultural or religious origin. The German government has ratified various human rights treaties which demand among other human rights the right to health. Access to health care services is mentioned as an indispensable step to create equal health chances for all and to overcome health inequality.