A Shadow on Motherhood: Obstetric Violence Around the World
Why is this topic so difficult to address?
As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s crucial to reflect not just on the celebration of motherhood but also on the challenges women face during pregnancy and childbirth. While strides have been made in recognizing and combating gender-based violence in conflict zones and during peace times, there remains a silent epidemic that often goes unnoticed: obstetric violence (OBV).
OBV refers to the mistreatment, disrespect, and abuse of women during childbirth. It encompasses forced surgeries, lack of consent for medical procedures, coercion, and gendered shame, among other forms of maltreatment. Despite its profound impact on maternal mortality rates, OBV remains largely under-recognized globally.
Instances of OBV are distressingly common. Women have been threatened with violence for screaming during labor, forced to deliver on unsanitary floors despite the availability of proper facilities, and even-handed plastic bags containing the bodies of stillborn infants. These violations occur not only in war-torn regions but also within supposedly safe healthcare settings.
The root causes of OBV are multifaceted and deeply entrenched. They include systemic issues within health systems, such as underfunding and inadequate training, discriminatory laws and practices, and inherent power imbalances between healthcare providers and patients. These factors contribute to a culture where women’s rights and dignity during childbirth are often disregarded.
In recent years, landmark legal cases have brought OBV to the forefront of human rights discussions. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights recognized OBV as a violation of human rights in the case of Cristina Brítez Arce, a pregnant woman in Argentina who died due to medical negligence during childbirth. Similarly, the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women condemned forced C-section deliveries performed without informed consent.
Despite the lack of standardized data, it’s clear that OBV has far-reaching consequences. Survivors are at increased risk of obstetric fistula, a debilitating childbirth injury that leads to chronic medical complications and social ostracization. Moreover, OBV perpetuates a culture of impunity and undermines efforts to improve maternal and child health globally.
The prevalence of OBV underscores the urgent need for action. In many societies, women’s subordinate social position enables this practice to persist unchecked. Addressing OBV requires not only legal reforms but also a cultural shift towards prioritizing women’s rights, agency, and dignity during childbirth.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us not forget the countless women around the world who endure obstetric violence in silence. It’s time for governments, healthcare institutions, and civil society to take concrete steps to eradicate OBV. This includes investing in comprehensive maternal healthcare, training healthcare providers on respectful maternity care, and empowering women to make informed decisions about their bodies and childbirth. Only then can we ensure that every mother receives the respect, dignity, and quality care she deserves.
PLEASE CONSIDER A PAID SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS SUBSTACK TO HELP KEEP INDEPENDENT, AGENDA-FREE WRITING AND JOURNALISM ALIVE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
For speaking queries please contact meta@metaspeakers.org
For ghostwriting, personalized mentoring or other writing/work-related queries please contact hollie@holliemckay.com
Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for more updates
Pre-Order The Dictator’s Wife (out June 10)
Click Here for Pre-Order from my publisher DAP Publications (please support small business!)
Click to Purchase all Other Books Here