Background and Education: Jette Aarøe Clausen is a distinguished academic and advocate in the field of midwifery, known for her contributions to maternal health and women’s rights in childbirth. As a lecturer and researcher, her work primarily focuses on physiological births and promoting non-interventionist approaches in maternity care.
Advocacy and Contributions: Jette is a vocal advocate for the rights of women to have informed and respected choices in childbirth. Her efforts extend beyond the borders of Denmark, reaching into areas of Europe where women’s rights in childbirth are not as well recognized or supported. She has particularly been involved in supporting Hungarian women’s rights to out-of-hospital births, addressing the high intervention rates in Hungarian hospitals, where cesarean sections far exceed the global recommendations.
Recognition and Awards: While not directly stated, Jette’s involvement and recognition likely include accolades from international bodies focused on childbirth and women’s health rights, given her active role in advocacy and education. Her work includes highlighting the challenges faced by midwives across Europe, particularly in Hungary, where legal and professional obstacles prevent them from practicing freely.
Professional Affiliations and Impact: Jette Aarøe Clausen is affiliated with Human Rights in Childbirth (HRiC), an international NGO dedicated to strengthening women’s rights in childbirth globally. Her commitment is evident in her engagements as a speaker, where she addresses issues of medical over-intervention and promotes the need for a shift towards more supportive, woman-centered maternity care practices.
Future Endeavors: Jette’s goals include bringing greater awareness to the challenges facing midwives and the women they support, particularly in regions with restrictive healthcare practices. She hopes to see these issues addressed more prominently within platforms like the European Parliament, advocating for policies that respect and integrate independent midwives into the healthcare system, thereby enabling women to exercise their human rights in childbirth.
Legacy and Influence: Jette Aarøe Clausen’s work has not only influenced policy and practice in her home country of Denmark but also internationally. She continues to be a leading figure in advocating for physiological, respectful, and rights-based approaches to childbirth, inspiring many who work in maternal health and midwifery across the globe.