Obstetric and gynecological violence: Empowering patients to recognize and prevent it

By Audrey Ferron-Parayre, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa, Catherine Régis, Université de Montréal, Emmanuelle Bernheim, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa, Sylvie Lévesque, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

In recent years, media and social networks have brought to light growing denunciations of obstetric and gynecological care that is considered violent, disrespectful, abusive or neglectful. These behaviours, words, acts and omissions are known as obstetric and gynecological violence (OGV).

Beyond the medical domain, OGV stems from gender-based violence as well as biases and stereotypes about women (biological or gendered) and mothers. More particularly, OGV can encompass the expression of medical racism and colonialism that places racialized and Indigenous individuals at greater risk to experience it.

Obstetric and gynecological violence

Canadian studies have identified several characteristics that help us define OGV:

• treatment conducted without the patient’s free and informed consent,

• professional and organizational practices that deprive individuals of their reproductive autonomy, and

• the patient’s subjective appreciation of her health-care experience.

Systemic factors are also central to the occurrence of OGV, combined with interpersonal factors between women and health-care professionals. In other words, it is not just about incompetent or ill-intentioned staff. It is also about common professional and organizational practices, like economic factors, professional cultures, and hierarchical and authority relationships between health-care providers and patients. Another factor is stereotypes, prejudices and gender biases about female reproduction that are still common.

The use of the term violence has been criticized, mainly because it suggests the behaviour contains an intent to harm. Some also argue that the use of the term may be considered as a form of violence against health-care professionals.

Nevertheless, it is increasingly acknowledged that this term is necessary to name a reality that would otherwise be ignored due to the epistemic injustices that often impair women’s experiences. Epistemic injustices mean that women’s testimonies are disbelieved or belittled, and that their experiences of violence are seen as normal, ignored or dismissed out of hand.

Read Full Story https://theconversation.com/obstetric-and-gynecological-violence-empowering-patients-to-recognize-and-prevent-it-226129