Endorsing the WFSA Labour Analgesia Declaration

The WFSA Declaration reaffirms that every pregnant patient has the right to pain relief during childbirth.

Of the 140 million births each year, most in low and middle-income countries, many occur without access to labour analgesia. WHO calls for high-quality, respectful maternity care and supports the right to a safe, positive birth experience. During childbirth, it should be unacceptable for labouring patients to experience untreated severe pain that is amenable to safe interventions. Untreated pain can have serious consequences for both maternal and fetal well-being.

Access to labour analgesia remains limited in low and middle-income countries, highlighting the urgent need to expand equitable pain management options worldwide.

Anaesthesiologists play a vital role in delivering labour analgesia, as recognised in the acute pain call to action. Their expertise ensures pregnant patients can make informed choices and improves safety in obstetric care globally.

WFSA emphasises the right of every pregnant patient to receive analgesia for labour pain upon request.

Read the full Declaration here  👇 

To build the momentum behind this movement, WFSA is inviting Member Societies and other partners to endorse the Declaration by signing and sending us a letter of support. An editable letter of support is available for download.

Declaration endorsements

Listed below are the Member Societies, Regional Sections and partners which have so far endorsed the Labour Analgesia Declaration by submitting a letter of support. To join the list of signatories, please send your letter of support to comms@wfsahq.org.