Case studies on obstetric violence : experience, analysis, and responses

2024

Littérature grise

Rozée V., Schantz Clémence, Van der Waal R., Van der Pijl M., Holubová B., Villarmea S., Recio Alcaide A.

Luxembourg : European Commission, 2024, 107 p. multigr. ISBN 978-92-68-09042-8

Background : In France, violence in perinatal care has been publicly addressed and discussed since the 1970s. But it really became a public and political issue in the mid-2010s when feminists began to report violence during childbirth on the internet. Denunciations and criticisms of obstetric and gynaecological care were disseminated on social networks and by the press. This growing digital and media mobilisation led a government body, the High Council for Equality between Women and Men (HCE), to draw up a report on obstetric violence to define, understand and counteract it. However, there is no consensus in France about the concept and existence of obstetric violence, especially within the medical community. This absence of consensus limits initiatives to prevent and combat it. Aim :The overall objective of this case study is to provide an overview of obstetric violence in France, based on scientific literature and grey literature from associations, social networks and the press. The first aim is to identify and understand the empirical evidence available in France to capture and measure obstetric violence, its manifestations in the country and its root causes and consequences. The aim is then to identify existing initiatives in France from government, institutions and associations that have led to greater consideration and awareness of obstetric violence, both within the medical community and among the general population. Finally, this overview aims to formulate recommendations to better consider and combat obstetric violence in France. Main findings : Research on the conditions and experiences of gynaecological and obstetric care is scarce in France and there is no statistical data measuring the obstetric violence. Its structural and subjective dimensions make it difficult to objectively define what obstetric violence is, to identify key variables relating to it and therefore to measure its extent. Hypothetically, all women in France may be exposed to violence during pregnancy and childbirth, but French healthcare is characterised by inequalities and discrimination that may affect some women more than others. Obstetric violence has mental, physical and social consequences that can compromise women's overall health.

Sociologie et anthropologie de la santé [056SOCSAN] ; Structures sociales, mouvements sociaux [106GESOC1]

Fonds IRD [F A010093239]

fdi:010093239