International Week of Respecting Childbirth (IWRC) May 17 – 24 is about speaking up and speaking out about all that is possible in childbirth so that we have more choices, receive more respect and are creating positive birth experiences and lasting memories. The IWRC was initiated in 2004 by Alliance française pour l’accouchement respecté (AFAR), a French non-profit society entirely free from philosophical, medical, religious and political lines of thinking. Since 2011 its coordination has been handed over to the European Network of Childbirth Associations (ENCA).

In the Czech Republic we joined in 2005. Every year there is a great festival about pregnancy, birth and parenting, plus eco cosmetics, etc. in Prague plus different activities in other places around the country as well. During the Festival in Prague doulas from the Czech Doula Association prepare an interactive program for children and students who come with their teachers.” In the 2015, it already happened 10th time with 1919 participants in Prague and 240 in Brno.