Obstetric Violence Is A Form Of Gender-based Violence
Obstetric violence, although silenced, is a form of gender-based violence. Unfortunately, many women have been exposed to situations that have involved this type of physical or emotional torture. This kind of abusive practices ruin one of the best moments in a mother’s life. Let’s see together why obstetric violence is a form of gender-based violence.
Pain, helplessness, indignation, anger and sadness are just some of the feelings that mothers who are victims of obstetric violence must face, in silence. Each mother assumes and suffers the considerable pain of childbirth for the love of her child. But we must not endure or tolerate these abuses.
Words as cruel and painful as they are unnecessary. The absolute loneliness and the estrangement of one’s child whose news is not made available as punishment. Screaming, blackmail, lack of information, mistreatment and bad practices of all kinds are infamous factors in many obstetrics and neonatology rooms.
For this reason, for many years now, efforts have been made to promote what has been defined as “respectful childbirth”. After all, we are talking about one of the most important and precious moments in life. Mothers are tired and scream “we have had enough”. Enough silence on the violence practiced in hospitals against women!
Hence, it is imperative to know the rights we have as future mothers and to inform ourselves about which practices are necessary and which are aggressive and offensive. Public hospitals or private clinics, it makes no difference. This is why obstetric violence is a form of gender-based violence.
What exactly is it?
Obstetric violence is none other than another form of gender-based violence. It does not discriminate by age or social class. When we talk about this type of circumstance, we are referring to very different practices. They range from denying information to injecting drugs without consent, without knowing the patient’s opinion or giving advance notice.
Physical and verbal abuse and unnecessary caesarean section complete this complex and painful panorama. No matter when: obstetric violence can occur before, during or after the birth itself.
Every woman has the right to enjoy a “human birth”, with the possibility of choosing and deciding on the birth of her child. It is about choosing what is best for the mother’s body and what interventions she feels are convenient or unnecessary.
As we all know, the moment of childbirth involves a situation of extreme vulnerability. For this reason, both the mother and the newborn deserve respect and adequate care. Doctors sometimes rise above the wishes of mothers – through various mechanisms – by claiming that it is “for their own good”.
Since obstetric violence is a type of gender-based violence, it must be talked about and punished. Keeping quiet will not help you, so don’t be afraid and talk about it. It is necessary to strenuously fight this scourge so that no other mother suffers it.
How to fight obstetric violence?
If you have been a victim of obstetric violence, file a report. You could turn to an association that specializes in gender-based violence.
If you are about to give birth, do not forget that in general hospitals and clinics allow visits or informative meetings. There you will get to know both the structure and their service protocol. This way you can choose the one you think is best based on your expectations.
Always express your wishes before the time of delivery. Of course, in an emergency, it may not be possible to do as planned. However, all necessary changes must be explained in advance, obtaining your consent.
Furthermore, you have the right to be accompanied at that key moment. A relaxed, calm and harmonious environment is essential during the contraction phase. Remember that they cannot forbid your mobility and free choice of the position you find most comfortable.
It is not necessary to constantly undergo palpation of the cervix. Palpation, which is done to check the progress of the birth process, does not have to be continuous.
Finally, checks, vaccinations and cleaning can wait: once the baby is born, the only thing that matters is to hold it in your arms. Always encourage skin-to-skin contact with the baby during the first hour after birth and prioritize breastfeeding whenever possible.
