Recent findings by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlight a concerning reality: mistreatment of women during childbirth is still very common. Across four countries studied, 60% of vaginal exams were carried out without women’s consent, exposing significant gaps in respectful care.
Mistreatment during childbirth takes many forms—from neglect and verbal abuse to physical mistreatment and non-consensual medical interventions. Previous WHO studies found that 40% of women surveyed experienced some form of abuse or discrimination during labor.
High Rates of Non-Consensual Procedures
The research also reveals that up to three-quarters of highly sensitive procedures were done without informed consent. This neglect of autonomy and dignity is a serious violation of women’s rights during childbirth.
Abuse and Discrimination During Childbirth
Many women reported being slapped, shouted at, or restrained against their will. Discrimination based on ethnicity, age, or socioeconomic background was also widespread, further undermining women’s birth experiences.
WHO’s Call for Respectful Care Standards
To address this issue, WHO’s Human Reproduction Programme (HRP) and partners released a detailed compendium aimed at ending mistreatment. It offers evidence-based guidance for policymakers and healthcare providers to embed respect, dignity, and equity into all maternal and newborn care practices.
Actionable Steps for Health Systems
Key recommendations include:
- Guaranteeing informed consent for every medical procedure.
- Training healthcare workers on respectful maternity care.
- Encouraging women’s active involvement in care decisions.
- Monitoring and eliminating abuse and discrimination.
- Engaging communities to support respectful childbirth environments.
Why Respectful Care is Essential
Dr. Hedieh Mehrtash of WHO emphasizes, “Women are often excluded from decisions and subjected to abuse.” Prioritizing respectful care not only protects women’s rights but also leads to better health outcomes and trust in healthcare.
Building a Culture of Respectful Maternity Care
This compendium reinforces WHO’s 2014 call to prevent disrespect and abuse during childbirth. It encourages countries to adopt systems that uphold dignity and ensure positive childbirth experiences.
Mistreatment during childbirth remains a global challenge. WHO’s latest research and recommendations highlight the urgent need to make respectful maternal and newborn care the standard everywhere. By valuing women’s rights, autonomy, and dignity, health systems can improve outcomes for mothers and babies worldwide.
