ABSTRACT
Aim: To summarize the current status of respectful maternity care (RMC) in Sri Lanka and the way forward with the pandemic. Background: Respectful maternity care is a human right with the capacity to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Promoting respect at interpersonal and health system levels attracts more women to the health facilities, gives them a positive birth experience, attenuates preventable maternal deaths, improves perinatal outcomes, and minimizes gaps and inequities in women’s health. Irrespective of the personal, resource availability, cultural, or any other issue, efforts need to be taken to implement all the domains of RMC in all birthing suites. Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was carried out on Google Scholar and MEDLINE databases to find out the relevant scientific literature on the RMC in the South Asian and the Sri Lankan context. The focus was given to identify the current concepts and the strategies to improve the RMC in the South Asian setting. Review results: We have summarized the various aspects of the RMC, its dimensions, measurement of RMC, the impact of RMC and its importance. The RMC in the South Asian setting needs to be developed in various aspects. Conclusion: The provision of RMC needs concern as a priority measure. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic has implications, especially in allowing a labor companion. However, promoting of RMC could be performed in micro, meso/intermediate, and macro/national levels. Clinical significance: The present challenges and the proposed strategies in achieving this best practice need to be considered in Sri Lanka and other South Asian settings. © The Author(s). 2022 Open Access.