Obstetric violence is physical, sexual and verbal abuse, intimidation, coercion, humiliation and aggression that occurs during labor and at the time of giving birth to the woman, by medical personnel, nurses and midwives. In summary, obstetric violence is any time a person in labor or birth experiences abuse or disrespect for their rights, including being forced to undergo procedures against their will, at the hands of medical personnel.
Obstetric violence occurs in hospitals around the world, including in the United States.
Obstetric violence occurs on a broad spectrum and includes the following:
- Vaginal exams without consent.
- Forced cesarean section surgery.
- Physical strength to prevent birth while waiting for the doctor to arrive.
- Physical restraint during labor.
- Sexual comments or sexual assault during exams or procedures.
- Intimidation in procedures, such as induction, episiotomy, or caesarean section, without medical reason.
The National Alliance for Women and Families and the Childbirth Connection also discuss the specific rights of pregnant women and mothers in a document called "The Rights of Pregnant Women."
When these rights are ignored or forcibly denied in childbirth, it is obstetric violence, and it is illegal. Currently, the process to report this type of abuse is not always straightforward or simple. The affected woman can begin by contacting the administrative office of her hospital to file a formal complaint.
In addition to seeking justice for mistreatment during childbirth, those who have experienced obstetric violence must also deal with healing from the trauma from birth. Healing and recovery from a traumatic birth is a critical part of your short and long term health and well-being. Improving Birth offers a free “Pathways to Healing” resource guide to help you through this process.
Until more families speak out against the abuse and evil that has happened in the maternity care environment, the environment will not change and providers and staff will continue to practice in the same way. While obstetric violence is not the norm for everyone who gives birth in hospitals, it does and does happen more often than it should (hint: it should never happen!).
