Written by Nicole Moran, SN-NL coordinator and Birth Doula
Illustration: Franziska Barczyk
When we discuss gender-based violence (GBV), the conversation often centres around physical and sexual violence, domestic abuse, and coercion. Yet one form of GBV remains alarmingly overlooked: obstetric violence. Rooted in systemic inequalities and patriarchal structures, obstetric violence refers to the mistreatment, abuse, and neglect experienced by individuals during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum care.
Obstetric violence can take many forms. It includes non-consensual procedures, the denial of pain relief, verbal abuse, coercion, unnecessary interventions, and even physical restraint. At its core, it involves a violation of a birthing person’s autonomy, dignity, and rights. These experiences are not rare; they are systemic and deeply embedded in medical practices that too often prioritise efficiency, authority, and institutional protocols over individual needs.
For centuries, childbirth has been shaped by patriarchal norms, where the voices of birthing people have been dismissed or silenced. The medicalisation of birth has created an imbalance of power which fosters an environment where disrespect and abuse can thrive. The effects of obstetric violence are profound and far-reaching. Many who experience it are left traumatised, suffering from feelings of humiliation, fear, and distrust of medical systems. These scars can affect mental health, strain relationships, and impact future pregnancies. For some, the trauma of obstetric violence lasts a lifetime.
Obstetric violence disproportionately affects those already marginalised by society. Women of colour, queer birthing people , and people with disabilities are far more likely to face discrimination and poor treatment in maternity care. In the UK, Black women are four times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth compared to white women—a stark reminder of how systemic racism intersects with gender inequality. Obstetric violence, therefore, is not just an issue of gender; it is one of justice and equity.
To address this, we must centre respectful maternity care in all discussions about maternal health. Respectful maternity care places the rights, dignity, and autonomy of birthing individuals at the heart of medical practice. It acknowledges that birthing people are not merely patients—they are active participants in their care.
Systemic changes are essential to make this a reality. Healthcare providers need comprehensive training in trauma-informed care and cultural competency to dismantle biases and foster respectful practices. Informed consent must be treated as non-negotiable, ensuring that all birthing individuals have the knowledge and agency to make decisions about their care. Adequate staffing, resources, and policies must also be implemented to ensure that no one is neglected or mistreated due to institutional pressures.
Moreover, we need to listen to and amplify the voices of those who have experienced obstetric violence. Their stories are powerful catalysts for change, challenging the status quo and highlighting the urgent need for reform. Obstetric violence is a form of gender-based violence, and it deserves recognition as such. By centering respectful maternity care, we can begin to dismantle the systems that perpetuate harm and create an environment where every birthing person is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
References
Birthrights (2022) An inquiry into racial injustice and human rights in UK maternity care, Executive summary, Birthrights. Birthrights
European Commission: Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers & Quattrocchi, P. (2024). Obstetric violence in the European Union : situational analysis and policy recommendations, Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2838/440301
Khalil, M., Carasso, K. B., & Kabakian-Khasholian, T. (2022). Exposing Obstetric Violence in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Review of Women’s Narratives of Disrespect and Abuse in Childbirth. Frontiers in Global Women’s Health, 3.
Knight, M., Bunch, K., Vousden, N., Banerjee, A., Cox, P., Cross-Sudworth, F., … & Kurinczuk, J. J. (2022). A national cohort study and confidential enquiry to investigate ethnic disparities in maternal mortality. EClinicalMedicine, 43, 101237.
