Title:
Exploring Obstetric Violence in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors:
Khalil, Merette
Place:
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Year:
2020
Language:
En
Subject:
Maternal Health – Lessons Learned
,
Gender Equity in Certified Chains
Keywords:
Obstetric Violence; Disrespect and Abuse in Childbirth; Respectful Maternal Care; parturition/childbirth; Eastern Mediterranean Region
Abstract:
Background Obstetric Violence (OV) violates women’s rights and inhibits Respectful Maternal Care (RMC). The Eastern Mediterranean Region (the Region or EMR) ranks second-worst globally on reproductive and maternal health with urgent progress needed for women’s empowerment. While efforts to improve quality of maternal care have long existed, women’s perceptions of dignity and respect during childbirth are not adequately or systematically recorded. Aim This study is among the first in the Region to provide an overview of OV and offer recommendations to improve RMC by centering women’s experiences in childbirth. Methods A mapping literature review was used; 38 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using Bowser and Hill’s framework of the seven categories of Disrespect and Abuse (D&A) in childbirth. Findings & Discussion In the EMR, women’s narratives indicate the normalization of OV in childbirth. Findings show the most common types of D&A are physical abuse and non-dignified care, generally comparable to global literature. The intersection of these abuses enables the objectification of women’s bodies and overuse of unconsented routine interventions in hierarchical and patriarchal health systems. If unchecked, the implications include perpetuating the cycle of OV and passivity towards human-rights violations. Conclusion To eliminate OV, a paradigm shift is required involving infrastructural changes, education, empowerment, advocacy, health system strengthening, and policy development. Recommendations are given at individual, community, health system and policy levels, to ensure that every woman achieves her right to health and birth in a dignified, respectful, and empowered manner.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute , VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Egypt
Training:
International Course in Health Development (MPH/ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2020 Merette Khalil
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
HzKxSFxehc_20210714162426264.pdf