Categories of Obstetrical Violence

Examples

1. Physical Abuse

­ Slap during delivery

­ Physically restrain during delivery

­ Perform unnecessary procedures [12]

2. Non-Consensual Care

­ Impose temporary or permanent contraception after delivery, or forced C-section for non-vital medical reasons [2]

­ Patient’s permission before performing a procedure not asked

3. Non-Confidential Care

­ Absence of curtains or a blanket during examinations [4]

4. Non-Dignified Care

­ Force patients to deliver in a supine position even if not necessary [14]

­ Joking about patient’s pain

5. Discrimination

­ Talk in a language that patients do not understand [15]

­ Allow medical students to perform unnecessary medical procedures on patients in public facilities to learn, while refraining to do so for patients with private healthcare [7]

6. Abandonment of Care

­ Deliver without skilled birth attendants

­ Discharge patients against their will if refuse recommended treatment

7. Detention in Facilities

­ Detain in facility for failure to pay