Description of
the right

 

During labour, you have the right to receive all the necessary information before each intervention in order to participate in decision-making. Your choices regarding the interventions, medications, and instruments used to assist you must be respected at all times. 

You can accept, postpone or refuse treatment, regardless of the consequences of this decision. Before refusing a care, it’s important to discuss it with the care team. By doing so, you can make an informed decision

You also have the right to change your mind at any time.

Health professionals can intervene without your consent only if your life is in danger and you are unable to give consent.

A healthcare professional may also refuse to provide treatment if there is no medical reason to provide it.

Several examples of situations

Provided you accept the risks, you can accept, postpone or refuse :

  • the use of instruments such as forceps and ventouses;
  • an intentional water breaking;
  • an episiotomy (a cut to your perineum);
  • an epidural or other pain medications;
  • fetal monitoring;
  • the timing of your baby’s cord clamping.

References

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: section 7

Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms: section 1

Act respecting social services and health services: sections 3, 5, 9 and 10 

Civil Code of Quebec: sections 10, 11 and 13

Professional obligation according to many other professional orders (list of professional orders)