According to a new report from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), nearly 70% of women in Eastern Europe and Central Asia experience various forms of mistreatment during childbirth.
The report highlights that obstetric violence is a widespread, yet often hidden problem that violates women's fundamental rights and degrades their dignity.
The basis of the study was an online survey conducted among more than 2,600 women who gave birth in 16 countries and territories in the region.
The survey results indicate that almost 48.1% of women faced medical interventions performed without their informed consent, including episiotomy, cesarean section, and administration of oxytocin.
Among the respondents, about 24% reported verbal abuse, including shouting and humiliation from medical staff.
One in ten women indicated experiencing physical or sexual violence during childbirth or gynecological examinations. Specifically, 12% of women noted that their movement was restricted, such as being tied to a bed, while 10.4% encountered various forms of sexual violence, including inappropriate touching and more serious violations of personal space.
However, most women do not report such incidents. More than half of the respondents (53.7%) had never heard the term "obstetric violence," and only 2% of those who experienced mistreatment filed official complaints. The reasons for this include distrust in complaint mechanisms and fear of repercussions.
The issue of obstetric violence in Central Asia is discussed less frequently compared to European countries.
The study showed that the highest number of women unaware of the concept of "obstetric violence" is recorded in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, where about two-thirds of respondents have no understanding of this phenomenon.
The authors of the report indicate that cultural and social characteristics of the region, including traditional views on women's roles and childbirth, may contribute to the low level of discussion regarding cases of mistreatment.
Additionally, the level of violations varies between different countries in the region. For example, in Albania, Moldova, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Kosovo, women more frequently report cases of discrimination, verbal and physical violence, as well as issues within the healthcare system.
“The data obtained is a troubling signal,” noted Florence Bauer, UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
She added that every woman has the right to receive quality medical care, which must include respectful and dignified treatment.
“Obstetric violence is not just a medical issue. It is a violation of human rights, leaving women in a state of helplessness and stress, with potential long-term consequences for their health and well-being,” emphasized Bauer.
UNFPA and partners call for comprehensive measures to combat obstetric violence.
Among the proposed actions are the development of relevant legislation, improvement of professional training for medical personnel, informing women about their rights, creating accountability mechanisms, and conducting public awareness campaigns.
