We recently spoke to you from Madres Hoy about the following article: The Obstetric Violence Observatory is created to change the reality of women, but today I want to talk to you about what exactly obstetric violence is in case there are women (or even men) who do not know what these two words are so important to know. Obstetric violence can leave very severe emotional wounds that are very difficult to heal, That is why you have to be attentive to any aspect that should be assessed.
Pregnancy should be thought of as a process where women must have control over their own pregnancy, it is their body and the baby that is forming inside will be their child forever from the moment they became pregnant. Unfortunately, there are women who suffer attacks during pregnancy and during childbirth, their wishes are not respected and even acts are carried out against their will.
It can cause physical damage, but the emotional ones are the most serious
There are women who are subjected to incorrect procedures, who are left unattended, or worse still, than suffering some form of verbal violence in health care settings. Although it seems that this is not something normal in our healthUnfortunately, these are things that continue to happen and that by not reporting it or by keeping quiet, more women will be affected and that they continue to suffer the consequences of not saying anything.
Obstetric violence not only causes physical damage in some cases, but the damage that affects the most is undoubtedly psychological and emotional damage. Can you imagine how it must affect a woman if a nurse tells her not to scream while she is in the bidding process or until the medical procedures are finished? I know a woman who has been depressed for many years because of not being able to scream in her natural birth, because they did not let her. Can you imagine it? I could not imagine my delivery without the screams that I needed to give to vent so much pain.
Childbirth is a very important and intimate process for a woman with her baby., and the medical staff must be by the woman's side to support her, to guide her and to assist her in everything that is necessary, always respecting her needs, her interests and the natural birth procedure where possible. Fortunately, they occur only in isolated cases, but these isolated cases should not be silenced. All women have the right to have a dignified and positive prenatal, delivery and postpartum experience that is healthy for both the woman and the baby.
So what is obstetric violence exactly?
Obstetric violence is any act that goes against the agreement between the pregnant woman and the doctor during the prenatal plan or the birth of the baby. But not only the will of childbirth must be respected, a pregnant woman must have her rights intact both during pregnancy and childbirth, but also in the event that you suffer some type of abortion. Obstetric violence could occur in the following ways:
During pregnancy
- Failure to provide medical services to a pregnant woman
- Offensive comments of any kind
- Not providing enough information to pregnant women for them to be able to make their own decisions
- Neglect of quality healthcare
During the delivery
- Refusal of admission
- Denying the company of a person designated by the pregnant woman
- Perform a medical procedure without the consent of the pregnant woman
- Performing invasive or unnecessary procedures, especially due to the application of oxytocin and episiotomy
- The deprivation of food or water
- Any type of verbal action that humiliates you, degrades you, makes you feel vulnerable, or causes insecurity or fear
- Delay the newborn baby's contact with the mother
If you should or want to have an abortion
- Denial or delay of treatment
- Threats, coercion, or attempts to make you feel guilty for that decision
- Inappropriate Questions About Abortion
- Performing invasive medical procedures or without the consent and relevant explanation
In Spain it is legal to carry out an abortion freely until the 14th week of pregnancy, although underage girls will need parental consent to be able to carry out a voluntary abortion.
You must know your rights
It does not matter if the care a pregnant woman receives is by public or private personnel, all women have the right to prenatal care, including regular check-ups and consultations throughout the pregnancy and until after delivery, and This care must be of quality and performed by qualified health personnel.
All women must be well informed about the risks, procedures and options they have in order to be in control and make their own decisions in their pregnancy safely. The doctor should provide a warm and respectful environment so that women feel comfortable at all times and that they feel free to ask the questions they need. What's more, The personal opinion of the doctor should never interfere in the decision-making of the pregnant woman.
The position in which the woman wants to give birth is also her decision. I know of a case in which the woman wanted to give birth squatting and they would not let her and it was she herself who disobeyed the medical staff because she felt more comfortable that way, and the medical staff ended up accepting it. The doctor cannot intervene in the best position for the woman to give birth. Other procedures such as the application of oxytocin to accelerate labor, episiotomy or epidural without the consent of the pregnant woman, are also obstetric violence.
Are you a victim of obstetric violence?
If you think that you are being or that you are a victim of obstetric violence, do not shut up and report what has happened. Complaints can be made in the same health center or in the corresponding justice delegation or to a support center for pregnant women so that they can guide you in your complaint. Nobody deserves a lack of attention, neglect or violence at any stage of your life in health care, much less a pregnant woman. Humane treatment between people is a right for everyone regardless of whether it is public or private health.