Obstetric violence is a misnomer

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Reproductive Health
• Healthcare Quality

Background:

• The term "obstetric violence" is legislatively used to protect mothers but can be misconstrued as intentional harm.
• This term may obscure systemic issues, lack of training, or misunderstandings leading to mistreatment.
• Existing discourse often uses "obstetric violence" for procedures like induction, episiotomy, and cesarean delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a more comprehensive term than "obstetric violence" to better describe patient mistreatment.
• To highlight the need to address structural dimensions of abusive reproductive practices.
• To promote unbiased, respectful, and patient-centered professional care in obstetrics and healthcare overall.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the term "obstetric violence" and its implications.
• Comparison of "violence" versus "mistreatment" in a healthcare context.
• Literature review on abusive reproductive practices and healthcare provider conduct.

Main Results:

• "Obstetric mistreatment" is proposed as a more encompassing term for various forms of abuse, including nonconsensual procedures, verbal abuse, discrimination, and neglect.
• The term "violence" implies intentional harm, which may not accurately reflect all instances of mistreatment in obstetrics.
• Mistreatment in healthcare, encompassing all specialties, is a more appropriate framework than "obstetric violence".

Conclusions:

• Shifting from "obstetric violence" to "obstetric mistreatment" or "mistreatment in healthcare" allows for a broader understanding and better addressal of systemic issues.
• Healthcare providers must foster an ethical framework and systemic changes to prevent all forms of mistreatment and abuse.
• Raising awareness about mistreatment in obstetric care is crucial within the broader context of abuse against women.