TITLE:
“At Least Your Baby Is Healthy” Obstetric Violence or Disrespect and Abuse in Childbirth Occurrence Worldwide: A Literature Review
AUTHORS:
Violette Perrotte, Arun Chaudhary, Annekathryn Goodman
KEYWORDS:
Obstetric Violence, Disrespect and Abuse, Childbirth, Women
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.10 No.11,
November
16,
2020
ABSTRACT: Obstetric violence or disrespect and abuse in childbirth is a worldwide
phenomenon that takes on various forms, from absence of informed consent to
physical harm. The objective of this review is to assess prevalence and root
causes of obstetric violence in different countries, and potential solutions to
address disrespect and abuse in childbirth. The review finds that obstetric
violence is rooted in a patriarchal understanding of gender stereotypes and is
exacerbated by power dynamics between health professionals and patients,
especially for minorities. Obstetric violence has a long-lasting impact on
women’s lives and can jeopardize subsequent decisions to access healthcare
services.