Refusal of antenatal care and the applicable conceptual models

• The ‘five-prong purpose’ model describes the functions of antenatal care. • Addressing challenges identified with the five ‘A's model prevents refusal of antenatal care. • Refusal of antenatal care leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes and socio-economic challenges. • A fetus acquires ethical rights after birth and refusal of antenatal care endangers the neonate. • Good clinical governance will improve utilization of antenatal care.