When we speak of obstetric violence, we refer to the violence suffered by pregnant women during delivery care in health centers , from mistreatment and verbal abuse, to physical abuse, such as unnecessary medical interventions and / or without their consent.
In a historic ruling, the United Nations (UN) Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women has asked Spain to take measures to combat obstetric violence .
A few months ago we gave the news that the UN finally recognized that obstetric violence exists , which may seem like a very small first step, but without a doubt it is a great advance to begin taking actions that help eradicate it.
Now, through a statement on its official news portal in Spanish, the UN shares the ruling made by the Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Spain needs to combat medical violence against pregnant women .
This is the title of the press release in which the case of a woman from the Spanish town of Lugo is shared , who was subjected to unnecessary medical interventions during the birth of her daughter, including induction of labor without apparent justification.
According to her complaint, she arrived at the hospital for a routine check-up at 39 weeks and six days of gestation, however, she was no longer allowed to leave and labor was induced unnecessarily and without her consent .
After reviewing her complaint and analyzing her case in detail, which also explains that her newborn daughter had to remain hospitalized because of an infection that could have been caused by unnecessary medical interventions, the Committee ” urged Spain to provide the woman an appropriate reparation for the damage she suffered to her physical and psychological health . “
In addition to demanding reparation for the damage suffered as a result of obstetric violence, the Committee asks Spain to provide adequate training to medical personnel regarding sexual and reproductive health rights, and the same to justice operators , since in agreement With its conclusion, the mother faced gender stereotypes and discrimination throughout the judicial process brought before the courts.
They also ask that access to effective legal procedures be guaranteed in cases of obstetric violence , in order for it to be eradicated from Spain and that they also be an example that helps promote changes in medical care protocols in other countries.
Recommendations of the Committee to Spain
In addition to sentencing and condemning Spain for the mistreatment received by the mother, the Committee issued a series of recommendations to the Spanish State , among which are the following:
- Ensure women’s rights to safe motherhood and access for all women to adequate obstetric care .
- Provide the woman with adequate information at each stage of labor and require her free, prior and informed consent in all invasive treatments during delivery care, except in situations in which the life of the mother or baby is at risk, respecting women’s autonomy and ability to make informed decisions about their reproductive health .
- Evaluate obstetric violence in the State to make the situation visible and thus guide public policies to combat such violence .
- Ensure access to effective remedies in cases where women’s reproductive health rights have been violated , including in cases of obstetric violence.
As we mentioned at the beginning, the recognition of the existence of obstetric violence could have seemed like a very small first step, and although there is still much to be done, actions are already beginning to help eradicate it and the women of the world have a safe delivery. and respected .
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More information | UN News
In Babies and more | One in six women in the United States reports having suffered obstetric violence, Many women do not feel well treated during their delivery, and although the situation is improving, there is still work to be done, Learn about the new WHO recommendations for a childbirth experience positive
