Paper short abstract:

In Belgium a study highlighted widespread obstetric violence (OV). Consent was absent in 49% of medical procedures. 40% of women were subjected to OV. 95% of women who underwent the husband's stitch, medical acts without anesthesia or abdominal expression were not aware of the violence suffered.

Paper long abstract:

An online survey carried out highlighted a few elements relating to obstetric violence (OV), pointing to systemic and institutional violence.

First, the study highlighted a generalized lack of consent. Despite the 2002 Law on Patients' Rights institutes consent as a prerequisite for any medical act, according to the direct testimonies collected in 49% of situations consent was not sought.

Secondly, the research pointed to a widespread experience of obstetric violence. A VO indicator was established (including physical, psychological, verbal violence and 3 harmful acts: husband’s stitch, procedures carried out without anesthesia and abdominal expression): based on this, the study showed that 40% of women suffered at least one of these 6 forms of violence.

As for the 3 harmful acts, 19% of women have been affected, with increases if considering other intersecting forms of discrimination suffered: low education level (26%); women identifying as of colour (35%).

Thirdly, the study underscored huge disparities among different hospitals’ maternity units (between 29% and 54% of VOs) and among the type of place of birth (maternity unit 42%, technical centre 21%, birth centre 15% and home birth 5%).

Finally, the research points out a lack of awareness among women around OV. 95% of women who had been subjected to either husband's stitch, procedures carried out without anesthesia or abdominal expression would not say that they had been subjected to violence.

These figures show that OV is unfortunately part of the biomedical system and of the normalized medical professional - patient relation within it.