An important step in eradicating obstetric violence is informing and educating women to be their own first and best advocate.
What is Obstetric Violence?
Obstetric violence has existed as long as the field of medicine has been named, and before. Found in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and everywhere else, obstetric violence is a global issue with deep cultural roots. The patriarchal structures that underlie cultures all over the world explain why this form of violent oppression and injustice is found in every country and culture.
Obstetric Violence is the mistreatment, coercion, treatment without consent, disregard for autonomy, dehumanization, and disrespect of birthing people in the context of childbirth and pre/postnatal care.
Obstetric violence does not always occur in direct or physical ways. It may manifest verbally, emotionally, or through practices and attitudes. Let’s see some examples…
Touch without consent: A provider performs a cervical exam without consent.
Refusal of care: A provider refuses to provide care if the patient does not consent to a proposed intervention.
Interventions without consent: During a cervical exam, a provider breaks their patient’s water before receiving consent.
Gaslighting: A provider tells the patient they are overreacting in response to expressing pain or distress.
Dismissal of birth plan: A provider tells the patient all that matters is that they have a healthy baby.
Disrespect: A provider is disrespectful towards a patient for any reason.
“Obstetric violence is a too-little acknowledged problem in women’s healthcare. Poorly defined, and frequently overlooked, this is a particularly cruel and devastating form of violence against women at one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. The reality of such terrible treatment must be brought to light.”
— Dr. Bill Chun, M.D., FACOG
Share Your Story
Have you been affected by Obstetric Violence? Share your story with us and help break the silence.