Stories from women show that the promise of safe and respectful childbirth often falls short, leaving many feeling humiliated during one of life’s most vulnerable moments.
In this article:
What are the Common Forms of Obstetric Violence in Maternity Care?
Studies and personal accounts highlight several common types of mistreatment during hospital-based births:1. Physical Abuse
This includes situations where a birthing parent is handled roughly or force is used when it is not truly needed. It can look like being held down, restrained, or pushed through painful procedures without enough pain relief.
2. Non-Consensual Care
Non-consensual care occurs when examinations, interventions, or surgeries are performed without informed consent. This includes situations where the reason for a procedure, its risks, or possible alternatives are not explained.
3. Verbal Abuse
Verbal abuse includes shouting, scolding, threats, or judgmental remarks during labour or childbirth. Comments related to age, behaviour, pain response, or personal circumstances can feel humiliating and frightening.
4. Neglect and Abandonment
Neglect occurs when a person in labour is left unattended or when requests for help are ignored. Essential needs such as monitoring, pain relief, or emotional reassurance may be delayed or denied.
5. Poor Communication
Poor communication arises when healthcare professionals fail to explain procedures, decisions, or changes in care. Discussions may take place without involving the birthing parent, leaving her uninformed and excluded from decision-making about her own body.
6. Violation of Privacy
Privacy is compromised when examinations are conducted without proper covering, curtains, or consent. The presence of multiple observers without permission can intensify discomfort and distress.
7. Over Medicalisation
This refers to the routine use of medical interventions even when labour is progressing normally. Procedures like episiotomies or labour augmentation may be done to save time rather than respond to individual needs.
8. Coercion or Pressure
Pressure occurs when fear, authority, or misinformation is used to push consent for procedures. Consent may be given because of panic or exhaustion rather than true understanding.
9. Discrimination
Discrimination in maternity care may be based on caste, class, age, marital status, disability, or economic background. Some birthing parents may be spoken to harshly or taken less seriously because of these biases.
10. System Related Failures
Crowded hospitals, staff shortages, and unclean spaces also shape the experience of childbirth. These constraints often affect the quality of care and contribute to rushed or impersonal treatment, even when healthcare workers are doing their best.
What Women’s Experiences Across India Reveal About Obstetric Violence
Real stories from women across different regions offer a clearer picture of how obstetric violence shows up during childbirth:1. Research in Bihar, India
In Bihar, women shared their experiences through body mapping exercises, where many spoke about being made to lie in restrained positions, being touched without consent, and having medical procedures prioritised over their comfort.
Several felt that decisions about their bodies were taken by others, with little effort made to explain what was happening. Some recalled painful episiotomies or moments when they were left alone to cope with intense pain.
2. Research in Kolkata, India
In Kolkata, postpartum women reported similar experiences across public, private, and charitable hospitals. Many spoke about rude or dismissive language, long delays in care, and procedures carried out without proper explanation. Neglect was common, with calls for help often going unanswered.
Even in better-equipped facilities, poor treatment had become so normalised that women expected very little information or emotional support during and after birth.
3. Review of Studies From Multiple States in India
A broader review of studies from multiple states reflected these patterns, though the severity varied. People from lower social and economic backgrounds faced greater levels of mistreatment.
What Leads to Obstetric Violence in India?
Several factors contribute to obstetric violence in Indian healthcare settings:Patriarchal attitudes in healthcare: Deep-rooted beliefs often place authority with healthcare professionals rather than the birthing parent. As a result, autonomy and consent may be overlooked, and decisions about the body are taken without proper discussion.
Overburdened public healthcare systems: Public hospitals frequently deal with staff shortages, overcrowding, and long working hours. This pressure can lead to rushed care, frustration, and reduced patience, thereby directly affecting how labour and birth are managed.
Cultural beliefs around childbirth: Many people grow up believing that pain and intervention are unavoidable parts of giving birth. Some accept procedures without question, trusting that anything done in a hospital must be for the baby’s safety.
Low awareness of rights: Limited knowledge about consent, privacy, and respectful maternity care means harsh language or unexplained procedures often go unchallenged.
Social and intersectional vulnerabilities: Factors such as class, caste, marital status, education, or age can increase the risk of mistreatment.
Gaps in training and infrastructure: Inadequate training on respectful maternity care and poorly resourced labour rooms contribute to poor experiences.
Government Efforts to Improve Maternal Care in India
India has introduced several programmes aimed at improving the quality of maternal care:- LaQshya (labour room quality improvement initiative): This programme focuses on upgrading labour room standards. It includes checklists and training modules on respectful maternity care to make sure birthing parents are treated with dignity and safety.
- Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN): This scheme ensures dignified, respectful, and free quality care for all pregnant individuals and newborns in public health facilities. It also upholds a zero-tolerance policy on denial of services, aiming to ensure every birth is safe and respectful.
Obstetric violence remains a widespread concern in India. While the increase in institutional births is a positive step, real progress means ensuring that every birthing parent feels respected, supported, and heard during childbirth.
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FAQs on Obstetric Violence in India: How Women Face Disrespect and Abuse During Childbirth
- How can obstetric violence be prevented?
Prevention involves a combination of better training on respectful maternity care and awareness campaigns about patient rights. - What do women expect during childbirth?
Pregnant women expect to be treated with respect, kindness, and clear communication.