Addressing obstetric violence: a scoping review of interventions in healthcare and their impact on maternal care quality.

Background: The mistreatment and abuse of women during childbirth have been recognized as a major global health challenge, impeding facility-based delivery and contributing to the high maternal mortalities globally. The World Health Organization has specifically called for interventions to deal with obstetric violence. This scoping review consolidates the existing literature on interventions aimed at reducing obstetric violence and synthesizes existing knowledge on their impact in promoting respectful maternity care. Methodology: Thirteen electronic databases were searched for relevant articles from January 2001 to March 2023. A total of 863 records were identified, and 72 full-text articles were retrieved for further screening. The review includes 16 studies, particularly from low- and middle-income countries, with interventions implemented at medical facilities and involving both women and healthcare providers. Eight of the studies were quantitative, three were qualitative and five used a mixed-methods approach. Findings: The results reveal a promising trend in reducing obstetric violence through various interventions. Ten different types of interventions were identified, highlighting strategies to improve the quality of maternity care and enhance patient-centered care. Improved patient-provider communication skills, increased privacy measures, and reduced abuse and mistreatment emerged as common themes. Enhanced communication skills, including open discussions and the right to be informed, were crucial in reducing obstetric violence. Privacy measures, such as separate rooms, curtains, and birth companions effectively decreased incidents of non-confidential care. General abuse and mistreatment, including physical abuse and neglect, were also reduced, leading to improved perceptions of respectful care during childbirth. Conclusion: Overall, the interventions had a favorable impact on obstetric violence reduction and women's childbirth experiences. However, despite promising results, obstetric violence remains prevalent worldwide, necessitating more efforts to implement effective interventions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first scoping review on obstetric violence interventions, providing a comprehensive overview of the state of the art. We suggest that further research is needed to explore new interventions, particularly gender-sensitive interventions, to contribute to a growing body of knowledge on the prevention of obstetric violence.

Repensando o Nascimento como um Direito Integral na Luta contra a Violência Obstétrica no Brasil / Rethinking Birth as a Comprehensive Right in the Fight against Obstetric Violence in Brazil / Reconsiderando el Nacimiento como un Derecho Integral en la Lucha contra la Violencia Obstétrica en Brasil

Objetivo: analisar o impacto da ausência de legislação federal e normativas na mitigação da violência obstétrica no Brasil, por meio de uma análise crítica, com ênfase na regulação legal. Metodologia: inicialmente, realizou-se uma revisão narrativa de abordagem qualiquantitativa e exploratória-descritiva nas bases de dados da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e da Scientific Electronic Library Online, no período entre 2018 e 2023. Os artigos foram selecionados utilizando descritores do Medical Subject Headings, como "obstetric violence" e "violence against women", combinados através do operador booleano "AND". Posteriormente, foi conduzida uma pesquisa documental buscando consultar a legislação estadual vigente no Brasil e identificar possíveis lacunas. Resultados: Identificou-se uma lacuna considerável em relação à violência obstétrica e à conscientização limitada sobre os direitos à autonomia das mulheres, que são preocupações evidentes. Em relação às legislações estaduais analisadas, 14 fazem menção à "violência obstétrica" e 8 abordam a "humanização do parto". Dessas, 19 têm caráter informativo, 28 são preventivas e 2 são punitivas. Considerações Finais: A ausência de consenso na definição da violência obstétrica e a escassa capacitação dos profissionais de saúde resultam em práticas obsoletas. A elevada taxa de cesarianas desnecessárias e a carência de estudos sobre mulheres quilombolas e indígenas são preocupantes. No âmbito jurídico, a falta de compreensão por parte dos magistrados e a fragmentação das legislações estaduais representam desafios significativos. Torna-se crucial adotar uma abordagem multidisciplinar e políticas públicas claras para prevenir essa violência e assegurar uma assistência ao parto segura e centrada nas necessidades das mulheres.

Objective: To analyze the impact of the absence of federal legislation and regulations on the mitigation of obstetric violence in Brazil through a critical analysis, with emphasis on legal regulation. Methodology: Initially, a narrative review with a qualiquantitative and exploratory-descriptive approach was conducted on the databases of the Virtual Health Library and the Scientific Electronic Library Online, between 2018 and 2023. Articles were selected using Medical Subject Headings descriptors such as "obstetric violence" and "violence against women", combined with the boolean operator "AND". Subsequently, a documentary search was conducted to consult the current state legislation in Brazil and identify possible gaps. Results: A considerable gap was identified regarding obstetric violence and limited awareness of women's autonomy rights, which are evident concerns. Regarding the analyzed state laws, 14 mention "obstetric violence" and 8 address "humanization of childbirth". Of these, 19 are informative, 28 are preventive, and 2 are punitive. Final Considerations: The lack of consensus in defining obstetric violence and the scarce training of healthcare professionals result in obsolete practices. The high rate of unnecessary cesarean sections and the lack of studies on quilombola and indigenous women are concerning. In the legal sphere, the lack of understanding by judges and the fragmentation of state legislation represent significant challenges. It is crucial to adopt a multidisciplinary approach and clear public policies to prevent this violence and ensure safe and woman-centered childbirth care.

Objetivo: Analizar el impacto de la ausencia de legislación federal y normativas en la mitigación de la violencia obstétrica en Brasil mediante un análisis crítico, con énfasis en la regulación legal. Metodología: Inicialmente, se realizó una revisión narrativa con enfoque cualicuantitativo y exploratorio-descriptivo en las bases de datos de la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud y la Scientific Electronic Library Online, entre 2018 y 2023. Se seleccionaron artículos utilizando descriptores del Medical Subject Headings como "obstetric violence" y "violence against women", combinados con el operador booleano "AND". Posteriormente, se realizó una búsqueda documental para consultar la legislación estatal vigente en Brasil e identificar posibles lagunas. Resultados: Se identificó una brecha considerable en relación con la violencia obstétrica y la conciencia limitada de los derechos de autonomía de las mujeres, que son preocupaciones evidentes. En cuanto a las leyes estatales analizadas, 14 mencionan "violencia obstétrica" y 8 abordan la "humanización del parto". De estas, 19 son informativas, 28 son preventivas y 2 son punitivas. Consideraciones Finales: La falta de consenso en la definición de la violencia obstétrica y la escasa formación de los profesionales de la salud resultan en prácticas obsoletas. La alta tasa de cesáreas innecesarias y la falta de estudios sobre mujeres quilombolas e indígenas son preocupantes. En el ámbito legal, la falta de comprensión por parte de los jueces y la fragmentación de la legislación estatal representan desafíos significativos. Es crucial adoptar un enfoque multidisciplinario y políticas públicas claras para prevenir esta violencia y garantizar una atención al parto segura y centrada en las necesidades de las mujeres.

'It was horrible to watch, horrible to be a part of': Midwives' perspectives of obstetric violence.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric violence, including unconsented interventions, coercion and disrespect, violates human rights; impacting the physical and psychosocial health of women. The perspective and experience of midwives related to obstetric violence have been explored in low and middle-income countries, with limited research into the experience of midwives in high income nations. AIM: To explore Australian midwives' perspectives of obstetric violence. METHODS: Thematic analysis of qualitative in-depth interviews with 15 midwives experienced in supporting women during birth. Critical feminist theory underpinned each stage of the research. FINDINGS: Interviews with 15 Australian midwives from diverse care settings were analysed thematically. Four key themes were developed from the data: 'the operationalisation of obstetric violence', 'the impact of obstetric violence' 'the historical and situational context' and 'hope for the future'. Midwives considered entrenched patriarchal structures and gender inequity as fundamental to the occurrence of obstetric violence. This societal scaffold is intensified within health care systems where power imbalances facilitate maternal mistreatment through coercion and grooming women for compliance in the antenatal period. Fragmented care models expose women to mistreatment with continuity models being protective only to a point. Midwives experience their own trauma, as a result of what they have witnessed, and due to the lack of support they receive when advocating for women. CONCLUSIONS: Obstetric violence occurs in Australian maternity systems with unconsented interventions, overmedicalisation, coercion, and disrespect observed by midwives. Care-related trauma impacts on the mental health of midwives, raising workforce concerns for policy makers, consumer advocates and professional bodies.

"I have to listen to them or they might harm me" and other narratives of why women endure obstetric violence in Bihar, India.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that obstetric violence has been prevalent globally and is finally getting some attention through research. This human rights violation takes several forms and is best understood through the narratives of embodied experiences of disrespect and abuse from women and other people who give birth, which is of utmost importance to make efforts in implementing respectful maternity care for a positive birthing experience. This study focused on the drivers of obstetric violence during labor and birth in Bihar, India. METHODS: Participatory qualitative visual arts-based method of data collection-body mapping-assisted interviews (adapted as birth mapping)-was conducted to understand women's perception of why they are denied respectful maternity care and what makes them vulnerable to obstetric violence during labor and childbirth. This study is embedded in feminist and critical theories that ensure women's narratives are at the center, which was further ensured by the feminist relational discourse analysis. Eight women participated from urban slums and rural villages in Bihar, for 2-4 interactions each, within a week. The data included transcripts, audio files, body maps, birthing stories, and body key, which were analyzed with the help of NVivo 12. FINDINGS: Women's narratives suggested drivers that determine how they will be treated during labor and birth, or any form of sexual, reproductive, and maternal healthcare seeking presented through the four themes: (1) "I am admitted under your care, so, I will have to do what you say"-Influence of power on care during childbirth; (2) "I was blindfolded … because there were men"-Influence of gender on care during childbirth; (3) "The more money we give the more convenience we get"-Influence of structure on care during childbirth; and (4) "How could I ask him, how it will come out?"-Influence of culture on care during childbirth. How women will be treated in the society and in the obstetric environment is determined by their identity at the intersections of age, class, caste, marital status, religion, education, and many other sociodemographic factors. The issues related to each of these are intertwined and cross-cutting, which made it difficult to draw clear categorizations because the four themes influenced and overlapped with each other. Son preference, for example, is a gender-based issue that is part of certain cultures in a patriarchal structure as a result of power-based imbalance, which makes the women vulnerable to disrespect and abuse when their baby is assigned female at birth. DISCUSSION: Sensitive unique feminist methods are important to explore and understand women's embodied experiences of trauma and are essential to understand their perspectives of what drives obstetric violence during childbirth. Sensitive methods of research are crucial for the health systems to learn from and embed women's wants, to address this structural challenge with urgency, and to ensure a positive experience of care.

Joint response from Latin American, European Obstetric Violence Observatories and others organizations all over Europe to the Joint Position Statement on Substandard and Disrespectful Care in Labour - Because Words Matter.

The issue of obstetric violence is internationally acknowledged as a serious violation of human rights. First identified by the Committee of Experts of the Inter-American Belém do Pará Convention in 2012, it is recognized as a form of gender-based violence that infringes upon women's rights during childbirth. Nations such as Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, and certain regions in Spain have implemented laws against it, highlighting its severity and the need for protective legislation. Major international organizations, including WHO and the Council of Europe, advocate for the elimination of disrespectful and abusive treatment in maternity care. In 2019, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women called on states to protect women's human rights in reproductive services by enforcing laws, prosecuting perpetrators, and providing compensation to victims. However, despite advances, there remains institutional and systemic resistance to recognizing obstetric violence, which undermines trust in healthcare and impacts women's quality of life. Addressing this violence is imperative, requiring education and training in women's human rights for all healthcare professionals. As part of the coalition of experts from various organizations (InterOVO), we respond to the publication by EAPM, EBCOG, and EMA: "Joint Position Statement: Substandard and Disrespectful Care in Labor - Because Words Matter." We are committed to preventing and mitigating obstetric violence and improving care for women and newborns.

Role of Obstetric Violence and Patient Choice: Factors Associated With Episiotomy.

INTRODUCTION: In the United States, 1 in 6 women reports obstetric violence in the form of physical and verbal abuse, coercion, and lack of informed consent. Despite recommendations against routine episiotomy, its use in the United States remains notable and varies considerably. This study aimed to analyze the various forms of obstetric violence associated with undergoing an episiotomy and having a choice in undergoing an episiotomy. METHODS: Data from the cross-sectional Listening to Mothers in California survey were analyzed using weighted sample. Logistic regression models were conducted to compute adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% CIs for undergoing episiotomy and having a choice in it. RESULTS: Overall, 21% of the respondents reported undergoing an episiotomy, and 75% of them reported not having a choice in undergoing this procedure. After adjusting for covariates, feeling pressured to induce labor (aOR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.28-1.35) and to use an epidural analgesia (aOR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.77-1.88) increased the odds of undergoing an episiotomy. Having a midwife during childbirth significantly reduced the odds of an episiotomy. Respondents who indicated being handled roughly by health care providers were 95% less likely to have a choice in receiving an episiotomy (aOR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.04-0.06). DISCUSSION: This is the first study to examine other forms of obstetric violence as correlates of episiotomy and having a choice in it. Standardized institutional measures against obstetric violence, patients' ability to make autonomous decisions through informed consent, and engaging midwives could decrease medically unnecessary labor procedures and associated complications.

When addressing resources is not enough: lessons learned from a respectful maternal and neonatal care provider training intervention evaluation in Kenya and Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Respectful Maternal and Neonatal Care (RMNC) maintains and respects a pregnant person's dignity, privacy, informed choice, and confidentiality free from harm and mistreatment. It strives for a positive pregnancy and post-pregnancy care experiences for pregnant people and their families, avoiding any form of obstetric violence. Though RMNC is now widely accepted as a priority in obstetric care, there is a gap in resources and support tools for healthcare wproviders to clearly understand the issue and change long-established practices such as non-humanized caesarean sections. MSI Reproductive Choices (MSI) manages 31 maternities across 7 countries with a zero-tolerance approach towards disrespectful maternity care and obstetric violence. MSI developed and implemented a hybrid training package, which includes an online module and 1-day in-person workshop that allows healthcare providers to explore their beliefs and attitudes towards RMNC. It leverages methodologies used in Values-Clarification-Attitudes-Transformation (VCAT) workshops and behaviour change approaches. METHODS: The impact of this training intervention was measured from the healthcare providers' and patients' perspectives. Patient experience of (dis)respectful care was collected from a cross-sectional survey of antenatal and postnatal patients attending MSI maternities in Kenya and Tanzania before and following the RMNC training intervention. Healthcare providers completed pre- and post-workshop surveys at day 1, 90 and 180 to measure any changes in their knowledge, attitudes and perception of intended behaviours regarding RMNC. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that healthcare provider knowledge, attitudes and perceived RMNC practices can be improved with this training interventions. Patients also reported a more positive experience of their maternity care following the training. CONCLUSION: RMNC is a patient-centred care priority in all MSI maternities. The training bridges the gap in resources currently available to support changes in healthcare wproviders' attitudes and behaviours towards provision of RMNC. Ensuring health system infrastructure supports compassionate obstetric care represents only the first step towards ensuring RMNC. The results from the evaluation of this RMNC provider training intervention demonstrates how healthcare provider knowledge and attitudes may represent a bottleneck to ensuring RMNC that can be overcome using VCAT and behaviour change approaches.

Prevalence of different variations of non-consented care during the childbirth process in Mexico by geographical regions: comparing ENDIREH survey data from 2016 to 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Non-consented care, a form of obstetric violence involving the lack of informed consent for procedures, is a common but little-understood phenomenon in the global public health arena. The aim of this secondary analysis was to measure the prevalence and assess change over time of non-consented care during childbirth in Mexico in 2016 and 2021, as well as to examine the association of sociodemographic, pregnancy-, and childbirth-factors with this type of violence. METHODS: We measured the prevalence of non-consented care and three of its variations, forced sterilization or contraception, forced cesarean section, and forced consent on paperwork, during childbirth in Mexico for 2016 (N = 24,036) and 2021 (N = 19,322) using data from Mexico's cross-sectional National Survey on the Dynamics of Household Relationships (ENDIREH). Weighted data were stratified by geographical regions. We performed adjusted logistic regression analyses to explore associations. RESULTS: The national prevalence of non-consented care and one of its variations, pressure to get a contraceptive method, increased from 2016 to 2021. A decrease in the prevalence was observed for forced contraception or sterilization without knowledge, forcing women to sign paperwork, and non-consented cesarean sections nationally and in most regions. Women between the ages of 26 and 35 years, married, cohabiting with partner, living in urban settings, who do not identify as Indigenous, and who received prenatal services or gave birth at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) facilities experienced a higher prevalence of non-consented care. Being 26 years of age and older, living in a rural setting, experiencing stillbirths in the last five years, having a vaginal delivery, receiving prenatal services at IMSS, or delivering at a private facility were significantly associated with higher odds of reporting non-consented care. CONCLUSION: While a decrease in most of the variations of non-consented care was found, the overall prevalence of non-consented care and, in one of its variations, pressure to get contraceptives, increased at a national and regional level. Our findings suggest the need to enforce current laws and strengthen health systems, paying special attention to the geographical regions and populations that have experienced higher reported cases of this structural problem.

Qualidade da assistência ao parto na percepção da mulher assistida na rede pública de saúde / Quality of birth care in the perception of women assisted in the public health network

Levantar e analisar a perspectiva de mulheres acerca da assistência recebida durante o parto. Método: estudo epidemiológico, observacional, de abordagem quantitativa e transversal. Os dados coletados foram compilados em tabelas e gráficos, analisados comparativamente entre si e com dados levantados na literatura científica. Resultados: as 80 participantes, com idade média de 26,6 anos, foram assistidas, integralmente, por enfermeiras obstetras. Houve predomínio das pardas (55,0%), solteiras (53,7%) e com renda familiar inferior a salários-mínimos (77,5%). Constatou-se alto nível de satisfação relacionado à assistência recebida, entretanto, o toque vaginal e a falta liberdade de se posicionar ao dar à luz foram as queixas mais frequentes, e que gerou certo grau de insatisfação. Conclusão: a amostra analisada demonstrou satisfação com os cuidados recebidos, porém os dois indicadores, com menor grau de satisfação, precisam ser repensados na prática obstétrica de modo a promover o bem-estar e a segurança da mulher.(AU)

To survey and analyze women's perspectives on the care they received during childbirth. Method: an epidemiological, observational, quantitative, cross-sectional study. The data collected was compiled into tables and graphs and analyzed in comparison with each other and with data found in scientific literature. Results: the 80 participants, with an average age of 26.6 years, were attended entirely by obstetric nurses. There was a predominance of brown women (55.0%), single women (53.7%) and women with a family income of less than one minimum wage (77.5%). There was a high level of satisfaction with the care received; however, vaginal touch and the lack of freedom to position oneself when giving birth were the most frequent complaints, which generated a certain degree of dissatisfaction. Conclusion: The sample analyzed showed satisfaction with the care received, but the two indicators with the lowest level of satisfaction need to be rethought in obstetric practice in order to promote women's well-being and safety.(AU)

Encuestar y analizar las perspectivas de las mujeres sobre la atención recibida durante el parto. Método: estudio epidemiológico, observacional, cuantitativo y transversal. Los datos recogidos se compilaron en tablas y gráficos y se analizaron en comparación entre sí y con los datos encontrados en la literatura científica. Resultados: las 80 participantes, con edad media de 26,6 años, fueron atendidas en su totalidad por enfermeras obstétricas. Hubo predominio de mujeres morenas (55,0%), solteras (53,7%) y con renta familiar inferior a un salario mínimo (77,5%). Hubo un alto grado de satisfacción con la atención recibida; sin embargo, el tacto vaginal y la falta de libertad para colocarse al dar a luz fueron las quejas más frecuentes, lo que generó cierto grado de insatisfacción. Conclusión: La muestra analizada mostró satisfacción con la atención recibida, pero los dos indicadores con menor nivel de satisfacción necesitan ser repensados en la práctica obstétrica para promover el bienestar y la seguridad de las mujeres.(AU)

European Association of Perinatal Medicine (EAPM), European Board and College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (EBCOG), European Midwives Association (EMA). Joint position statement: Substandard and disrespectful care in labour - because words matter.

Substandard or disrespectful care during labour should be of serious concern for healthcare professionals, as it can affect one of the most important events in a woman's life. Substandard care refers to the use of interventions that are not considered best-practice, to the inadequate execution of interventions, to situations where best-practice interventions are withheld from patients, or there is lack of adequate informed consent. Disrespectful care refers to forms of verbal and non-verbal communication that affect patients' dignity, individuality, privacy, intimacy, or personal beliefs. There are many possible underlying causes for substandard and disrespectful care in labour, including difficulties in modifying behaviours, judgmental or paternalistic attitudes, personal interests and individualism, and a human tendency to make less arduous, less difficult, or less stressful clinical decisions. The term "obstetric violence" is used in some parts of the world to describe various forms of substandard and disrespectful care in labour, but suggests that it is mainly carried out by obstetricians and is a serious form of aggression, carried out with the intent to cause harm. We believe that this term should not be used, as it does not help to identify the underlying problem, its causes, or its correction. In addition, it is generally seen by obstetricians and other healthcare professionals as an unjust and offensive term, generating a defensive and less collaborative mindset. We reach out to all individuals and institutions sharing the common goal of improving women's experience during labour, to work together to address the underlying causes of substandard and disrespectful care, and to develop common strategies to deal with this problem, based on mutual comprehension, trust and respect.

[Breastfeeding behind bars: Experiences of incarcerated mothers in the Spanish penitentiary system]. / Lactancia materna entre rejas: experiencias de las madres encarceladas en el sistema penitenciario español.

This research aims to analyze the breastfeeding experiences of incarcerated mothers in the prisons of the Spanish penitentiary system. Additionally, it explores whether these mothers have perceived practices related to obstetric violence during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. An exploratory-descriptive study was conducted using a qualitative approach and a critical ethnographic method. Fieldwork, including participant observation and semi-structured interviews, was carried out between December 2021 and April 2022. The study involved 30 adult women from Africa, Europe, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, all serving sentences with their infants in Mother Units located in the Spanish cities of Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. The main findings highlight the need for penitentiary policies with a gender and feminist perspective. These policies should aim to eliminate severe inequalities and discriminations faced by incarcerated women while protecting the basic rights of both mothers and infants.

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar la experiencia con respecto a la lactancia materna de las madres encarceladas en las prisiones del sistema penitenciario español, así como estudiar si han percibido prácticas que aludan a la violencia obstetricia durante la gestación, el parto y el puerperio. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio-descriptivo con abordaje cualitativo y método etnográfico crítico. Entre diciembre de 2021 y abril de 2022, se efectuó el trabajo de campo con observación participante y entrevistas semiestructuradas a 30 de las mujeres mayores de edad procedentes de África, Europa, Europa del Este y Latinoamérica, que se encontraban cumpliendo condena junto a sus criaturas en las Unidades de Madres de las ciudades españolas de Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid y Sevilla. Las principales conclusiones señalan la necesidad de aplicar políticas penitenciarias con perspectiva de género y feminista, que consigan erradicar las graves desigualdades y discriminaciones que sufren las mujeres encarceladas y que sirvan para proteger los derechos básicos de madres y criaturas.

Obstetric Violence in Italy: From Theoretical Premises to Court Judgments.

Introduction: Historical mistreatment and violence directed toward women's bodies extend to the field of medicine, and obstetric and gynecological practices are not immune to such misconduct. Obstetric violence (OV) refers to actions involving disrespectful, abusive, or coercive treatment directed at pregnant and birthing women. This includes institutional and personal attitudes that lead to the violation of women's autonomy, human rights, and sexual and reproductive health. Despite various international legislative initiatives and recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) addressing disrespectful and abusive treatment, OV is still poorly known to Italian public opinion. This study aims to investigate whether the concept of OV has been conversely assimilated in judicial decisions. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted to scrutinize judgments in Italy until June 2023 related to OV. The Italian legal database 'De Jure Giuffrè', which collects sentences by various Courts, and the terms 'obstetric' and 'violence' as keywords were used for the research. Results: The full-text revision of the results (n. 41 sentences) al-lowed the selection of 5 eligible contributions covering the following issues: Informed Consent, Kristeller maneuver, Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC), Acceleration of childbirth without indication, and Episiotomy. The analysis of individual judgments was complemented by an examination of the key issues involved. Conclusions: The reviewed judgments frequently seemed to be grounded in technical aspects and inclined towards a predominant evaluation of childbirth outcomes. However, some encouraging aspects emerged, particularly in terms of attention to the female body, acknowledgment of consequences within the intimate-relational dimension, and a commitment to the principle of self-determination through the provision of free and informed consent. Ensuring the psychophysical well-being of women and unborn children, fostering positive interactions between pregnant women and medical staff, and actively working to reduce the grounds for litigation are among actual emerging priorities in healthcare. In this sense, fundamental elements include the implementation of continuous staff training and education as well as a focus on promoting the self-determination of women, leveraging new technologies for this purpose, and ensuring legal protection of their rights.

Experienced disrespect & abuse during childbirth and associated birth characteristics: a cross-sectional survey in the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Experiencing upsetting disrespect and abuse (D&A) during labour and birth negatively affects women's birth experiences. Knowing in what circumstances of birth women experience upsetting situations of D&A can create general awareness and help healthcare providers judge the need for extra attention in their care to help reduce these experiences. However, little is known about how different birth characteristics relate to the experience of D&A. Previous studies showed differences in birth experiences and experienced D&A between primiparous and multiparous women. This study explores, stratified for parity, (1) how often D&A are experienced in the Netherlands and are considered upsetting, and (2) which birth characteristics are associated with these upsetting experiences of D&A. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire was set up and disseminated among women over 16 years of age who gave birth in the Netherlands between 2015 and 2020. D&A was divided into seven categories: emotional pressure, unfriendly behaviour/verbal abuse, use of force/physical violence, communication issues, lack of support, lack of consent and discrimination. Stratified for parity, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine which birth characteristics were associated with the upsetting experiences of different categories of D&A. RESULTS: Of all 11,520 women included in this study, 45.1% of primiparous and 27.0% of multiparous women reported at least one upsetting experience of D&A. Lack of consent was reported most frequently, followed by communication issues. For both primiparous and multiparous women, especially transfer from midwife-led to obstetrician-led care, giving birth in a hospital, assisted vaginal birth, and unplanned cesarean section were important factors that increased the odds of experiencing upsetting situations of D&A. Among primiparous women, the use of medical pain relief was also associated with upsetting experiences of D&A. CONCLUSION: A significant number of women experience upsetting disrespectful and abusive care during birth, particularly when medical interventions are needed after the onset of labour, when care is transferred during birth, and when birth takes place in a hospital. This study emphasizes the need for improving quality of verbal and non-verbal communication, support and adequate decision-making and consent procedures, especially before, during, and after the situations of birth that are associated with D&A.

'My doctor just called me a good girl and I died a bit inside': From everyday misogyny to obstetric violence in UK fertility and maternity services.

This paper begins with the common phrase 'good girl' as a lens through which to explore the insidious nature of patronising and paternalistic language on women's agency in obstetric care. Here we see how misogynistic language is both violence against women in its own right, and serves to create a context in which more extreme obstetric violence can be precipitated. Based on thematic analysis of discussion on Mumsnet, and on contributions to a research-focused Facebook group, this paper illustrates the complexity of recognising and refuting misogyny as a female patient as well as the damage that can occur from a cultural context in which this language is normalised. Here, words both boast a materiality through the environments they reify, and become transient and slippery, with semiotic uncertainty.

Obstetric violence is a misnomer.

The term "obstetric violence" has been used in the legislative language of several countries to protect mothers from abuse during pregnancy. Subsequently, it has been expanded to include a spectrum of obstetric procedures, such as induction of labor, episiotomy, and cesarean delivery, and has surfaced in the peer-reviewed literature. The term "obstetric violence" can be seen as quite strong and emotionally charged, which may lead to misunderstandings or misconceptions. It might be interpreted as implying a deliberate act of violence by healthcare providers when mistreatment can sometimes result from systemic issues, lack of training, or misunderstandings rather than intentional violence. "Obstetric mistreatment" is a more comprehensive term that can encompass a broader range of behaviors and actions. "Violence" generally refers to the intentional use of physical force to cause harm, injury, or damage to another person (eg, physical assault, domestic violence, street fights, or acts of terrorism), whereas "mistreatment" is a more general term and refers to the abuse, harm, or control exerted over another person (such as nonconsensual medical procedures, verbal abuse, disrespect, discrimination and stigmatization, or neglect, to name a few examples). There may be cases where unprofessional personnel may commit mistreatment and violence against pregnant patients, but as obstetrics is dedicated to the health and well-being of pregnant and fetal patients, mistreatment of obstetric patients should never be an intended component of professional obstetric care. It is necessary to move beyond the term "obstetric violence" in discourse and acknowledge and address the structural dimensions of abusive reproductive practices. Similarly, we do not use the term "psychiatric violence" for appropriately used professional procedures in psychiatry, such as electroshock therapy, or use the term "neurosurgical violence" when drilling a burr hole. There is an ongoing need to raise awareness about the potential mistreatment of obstetric patients within the context of abuse against women in general. Using the term "mistreatment in healthcare" instead of the more limited term "obstetric violence" is more appropriate and applies to all specialties when there is unprofessional abuse and mistreatment, such as biased care, neglect, emotional abuse (verbal), or physical abuse, including performing procedures that are unnecessary, unindicated, or without informed patient consent. Healthcare providers must promote unbiased, respectful, and patient-centered professional care; provide an ethical framework for all healthcare personnel; and work toward systemic change to prevent any mistreatment or abuse in our specialty.

The intersection of traumatic childbirth and obstetric racism: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic childbirth experiences are common in the United States - affecting a third to a fourth of mothers - with significant negative impacts on maternal health. Yet most research on traumatic childbirth focuses on white mothers' experiences. Drawing on a racially and ethnically diverse sample of mothers who experienced traumatic childbirth, this exploratory qualitative study examined Black, Latina, and Asian mothers' traumatic birth experiences and the role of obstetric racism in shaping these experiences. METHODS: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2019-2020 with 30 mothers who identified as women of color (37% Black, 40% Latina, and 23% Asian) who gave birth in the US and self-identified as having experienced a traumatic childbirth. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Mothers reported obstetric racism as core to their traumatic birth experiences. This racism manifested through practitioners' use of gendered and racialized stereotypes, denying and delegitimizing mothers' needs. Mothers shared key consequences of the obstetric racism they experienced, including postpartum anxiety and depression, increased medical mistrust, and decreased desire for future children. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers' reports suggest that obstetric racism played a role in their traumatic birth experiences. Particularly, practitioners' deployment of gendered and racialized stereotypes influenced mothers' treatment during birth. These findings point to opportunities to address obstetric racism during childbirth and improve patients' experiences through enhancing their agency and empowerment. The findings, in addition, highlight the need for increased practitioner training in anti-racist practice and cultural humility.

Violência obstétrica e LGBTQIA+fobia: o entrelaçamento de opressões e violações / Obstetric violence and LGBTQIA+phobia: interlaced oppressions and violations

Resumo O sistema capitalista e cisheteropatriarcal se desenvolveu através da opressão e exploração de classe, raça e sexo no estabelecimento de relações desiguais e hierarquizadas de poder, e uma dessas opressões é o uso da violência contra os corpos considerados errantes e transgressores dentro dessa estrutura. Dentre os diversos tipos de violência, o foco deste estudo está na violência obstétrica, compreendida como uma violência patriarcal de gênero que visa a retirada de direitos, autonomia e protagonismo de mulheres e homens trans durante o período gestacional, do parto e puerpério ou em processos de abortamento. Esse artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre a violência obstétrica e seu impacto nas homoparentalidades de mulheres lésbicas e de homens trans, pois compreende-se que a população LGBTQIA+ é uma das mais vulnerabilizadas e que está mais distante dos serviços de saúde, justamente pela violência institucional que acomete esses corpos. Dessa forma, pretende-se compreender, através de uma análise social e histórica, como os atravessamentos dessas violações sexistas e heteropatriarcais se entrelaçam e refletem na assistência à saúde dessas pessoas, gerando ainda mais formas de opressão contra essa população.

Abstract The cisheteropatriarchal capitalist system has developed by class, racial and sexual oppression and exploitation in establishing unequal, hierarchical power relations. One of these kinds of oppression involves the use of violence against bodies considered wayward and transgressive within this structure. Of the different types of violence, this study focused on obstetric violence, understood as patriarchal gender violence designed to remove the rights, autonomy and agency of trans women and men during the processes of pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and abortion. This article reflects on obstetric violence and its impacts on homo-parenthood for lesbian women and trans men, on the understanding that the LGBTQIA+ population is one of the most vulnerable and removed from health services, mainly because of the institutional violence suffered by these bodies. Accordingly, the intention is to understand, through social and historical analysis, how these sexist, heteropatriarchal violations, interlacing and reflecting in health care for these people, generate even more forms of oppression against this population.

Lactancia materna entre rejas: experiencias de las madres encarceladas en el sistema penitenciario español / Breastfeeding behind bars: Experiences of incarcerated mothers in the Spanish penitentiary system

RESUMEN Esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar la experiencia con respecto a la lactancia materna de las madres encarceladas en las prisiones del sistema penitenciario español, así como estudiar si han percibido prácticas que aludan a la violencia obstetricia durante la gestación, el parto y el puerperio. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio-descriptivo con abordaje cualitativo y método etnográfico crítico. Entre diciembre de 2021 y abril de 2022, se efectuó el trabajo de campo con observación participante y entrevistas semiestructuradas a 30 de las mujeres mayores de edad procedentes de África, Europa, Europa del Este y Latinoamérica, que se encontraban cumpliendo condena junto a sus criaturas en las Unidades de Madres de las ciudades españolas de Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid y Sevilla. Las principales conclusiones señalan la necesidad de aplicar políticas penitenciarias con perspectiva de género y feminista, que consigan erradicar las graves desigualdades y discriminaciones que sufren las mujeres encarceladas y que sirvan para proteger los derechos básicos de madres y criaturas.

ABSTRACT This research aims to analyze the breastfeeding experiences of incarcerated mothers in the prisons of the Spanish penitentiary system. Additionally, it explores whether these mothers have perceived practices related to obstetric violence during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. An exploratory-descriptive study was conducted using a qualitative approach and a critical ethnographic method. Fieldwork, including participant observation and semi-structured interviews, was carried out between December 2021 and April 2022. The study involved 30 adult women from Africa, Europe, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, all serving sentences with their infants in Mother Units located in the Spanish cities of Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. The main findings highlight the need for penitentiary policies with a gender and feminist perspective. These policies should aim to eliminate severe inequalities and discriminations faced by incarcerated women while protecting the basic rights of both mothers and infants.

L'expérience de l'accouchement en milieu surveillé dans la province d'Essaouira au Maroc: Quelle réalité?

RésuméUne expérience positive de l'accouchement (EPA) est fondamentale pour des soins maternels de qualité. Toutefois, de nombreuses femmes subissent des comportements non respectueux lors de ce moment crucial. Au Maroc, peu d'études ont mesuré cette expérience, et les éléments l'influençant demeurent insuffisamment documentés. Nous avons conduit une recherche mixte dans la province d'Essaouira entre avril et décembre 2021. Notre enquête, basée sur un questionnaire, a sollicité l'avis de 240 femmes issues de huit centres de santé choisis au hasard. Par ailleurs, des entretiens semi-directifs ont été conduits avec 20 femmes, 47 professionnels de santé et quatre responsables administratifs. Les données quantitatives ont été soumises à des analyses descriptives, bi- et multivariées, tandis que les entretiens ont été analysés selon une approche de contenu thématique. Les données révèlent que 59.2% des participantes ont eu une expérience défavorable lors de leur dernier accouchement. Parmi elles, la majorité a déploré des soins non consentis (86.7%), un manque de respect de leur intimité (45.4%) et des abus verbaux (25%). L'EPA était principalement associée à la qualité de l'environnement de l'accouchement, au soutien pour l'allaitement, à la propreté des installations, au type d'établissement (privé) et à l'absence de complications médicales pendant le travail. Les entretiens ont révélé que le manque de motivation des professionnels de santé, l'absence de formation continue appropriée et des lacunes organisationnelles et managériales ont affecté l'EPA. Notre étude souligne le besoin crucial de formation continue axée sur le respect des patients, l'éthique et la déontologie, et met en lumière l'importance d'une politique motivante pour les professionnels de santé, notamment dans le secteur public.

The Undercommons of Childbirth and Their Abolitionist Ethic of Care. A Study into Obstetric Violence Among Mothers, Midwives (in Training), and Doulas.

Engaging in dialogue with critical mothers, midwives, midwives in training, and doulas in the Netherlands, this study furthers the theoretical understanding of both obstetric violence and the activist resistance against it. Obstetric violence is understood as part of a process of relational separation, leaving the pregnant person isolated. The activist resistance against it is consequently theorized as the abolitionist building of an alternative "otherworld" of radical relational care. The themes established are: (1) "institutionalized separation" with the subtheme's "expropriation," "carcerality," and "obstetric violence;" and (2) "undercommoning childbirth" with subthemes "fugitive planning," "anarchic relationality," and "obstetric abolition."