Abuse and Mistreatment During Childbirth (Obstetric Violence)

How mistreatment in labor affects women globally and why it remains a hidden crisis

🔍 What is Obstetric Violence?

Obstetric violence refers to the mistreatment, abuse, neglect, or coercion women face during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth from healthcare providers. This includes:

• Verbal abuse (yelling, blaming, or humiliating)
• Physical violence (slapping, restraining)
• Non-consensual procedures (episiotomy, C-sections)
• Neglect or abandonment during labor
• Disrespectful communication or discrimination

🌍 A Global Yet Under-Recognized Issue

According to the WHO, over one in three women globally experience some form of mistreatment during childbirth. This occurs across all regions—whether low-resource or high-income settings—and disproportionately affects:

• Women of color
• Those from low-income or rural backgrounds
• Teen mothers
• Disabled women

Yet, this issue receives limited attention in mainstream research, policy, and media.

📊 Forms of Mistreatment: A Breakdown

Type of Abuse	Examples	Impact
Verbal Abuse	Yelling, shaming, threats	Emotional trauma, fear, birth trauma
Physical Abuse	Forceful exams, hitting, restraint	Pain, injury, PTSD
Neglect	Abandoning patient in labor	Fetal distress, poor outcomes
Non-Consensual Care	Forced episiotomy or cesarean	Violation of autonomy, depression

🧠 Psychological and Medical Consequences

• Postpartum depression and PTSD
• Loss of trust in healthcare providers
• Fear of future childbirth (tokophobia)
• Complications due to delayed or no consent

📢 Women’s Rights in Childbirth

Every woman has the right to:

• Respectful and dignified care
• Informed consent for procedures
• Freedom from discrimination
• Privacy and confidentiality

Yet in practice, these rights are often violated without accountability.

✅ Solutions and Calls to Action

• Training providers in respectful maternity care
• Monitoring and accountability mechanisms
• Policy reform and legal frameworks
• Inclusion of women’s voices in maternity system design

Related Topics:

• Gender Disappointment in Pregnancy
• Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign
• Disability and Women’s Reproductive Care

❓ FAQs

Q1: Is obstetric violence common in developed countries?

Yes. While more documented in lower-income countries, obstetric violence occurs in hospitals and maternity centers globally.

Q2: What can I do if I experience mistreatment during childbirth?

Document the experience, report it to a hospital board, and seek support from legal or advocacy organizations for maternal rights.

Q3: Are there any laws protecting women from obstetric violence?

Some countries (like Venezuela and Argentina) have laws against it, but global legal recognition is still limited.

Author: Dr. Humaira Latif | Source: WHO, White Ribbon Alliance, The Lancet