
Garcia (2023) recently published an integrative review of obstetric violence in the U.S. and other high-income countries. A small grant and self-funding made it possible for this important paper to be open access for everyone. It can be read in full, without a paywall, by clicking on the linked cover photo.
Findings demonstrated that the attributes of obstetric violence were consistent across the range of high-income countries in this sample. Global reviews over 10 years show the types and forms of obstetric violence are similar worldwide.
Findings demonstrated that the attributes of obstetric violence were consistent across the range of high-income countries in this sample. Global reviews over 10 years show the types and forms of obstetric violence are similar worldwide.

The SRHM Podcast explores new research and emerging trends in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Listen to the Editor's Summary episode about obstetric violence in the United States and other high-income countries. Dr. Lorraine Garcia and Dr. E. Brie Thumm are both PhD researchers and practicing Certified Nurse Midwives. Listen to their informative discussion about gaps in knowledge about obstetric violence in the U.S. and other high-income countries, review findings that stood out to each of them, and their thoughts about where to go from here to address and end obstetric violence.

The Giving Voice to Mothers - US study examined the prevalence of mistreatment during pregnancy and childbirth by race, socio-demographics, type of birth, place of birth, and context of care with attention to the intersectional relationships between these variables. Place of birth correlated with increased reports of mistreatment with 28.1% for hospital birth, 7% for freestanding birth centers, and 5.1% for home birth (Vedam et al., 2019). Rates of reported mistreatment were also higher for women of color. Types of mistreatment (i.e., obstetric violence) were most often reported by women who identified as Indigenous (32.8%), Hispanic (25%), Black (22.5%), and White (14.1%).

Dr. Sara Cohen Shabot has a PhD in Philosophy and is an Associate Professor and Chair in a Women’s and Gender Studies Program. She is one of the most prolific authors on the problem of obstetric violence and addresses the issue with feminist phenomenology and philosophical perspectives on childbirth and the maternal embodied subject. Her current focus is on obstetric violence as a form of gender violence. The picture link is set to her publications page.

Davis (2019) analyzed the birth stories of Black women in the United States and determined that obstetric racism--as both an occurrence and analytic--best captures the particularities of Black women's reproductive care which is differently choreographed on Black women's bodies. Davis summarized obstetric violence as a gender-based violence experienced by birthing people who are subjected to acts of violence because they are obstetric patients, while the intersection of obstetric violence and medical racism is what creates the distinct problem of obstetric racism.

The mission of the Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement (PQI) is to eliminate preventable perinatal morbidity and mortality by expanding the use of quality improvement and improvement science to end perinatal racial and ethnic disparities. The SPEAK UP Program was created from a QI perspective because it is unacceptable that Black and Indigenous people are more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes. The SPEAK UP Against Racism Program was developed and is owned by the Institute for PQI. You can learn more more about solutions they offer by clicking on the program picture.

Niles and colleagues (2023) examined respect, autonomy, and mistreatment in childbirth in the U.S. Study participants reported better experiential outcomes in childbirth when cared for by midwives than by physicians. One of the most interesting findings was that not only did provider type matter, the place of birth mattered. Study participants who received midwifery care reported significantly higher quality of experiential outcomes in community settings (freestanding birth center or home birth) than in hospital settings.

Birth Monopoly is an education, activism, and advocacy organization that is working to dismantle the monopoly that tells women & birthing people how, where, and with whom they are “allowed” to give birth. They promote birth rights as human rights to recognize and end obstetric violence. *Plus, we partnered with the founder as part of the online course “Obstetric Violence: What it is and What Community Can Do About It.”

Visit Discover Midwives to learn more about the professional standards midwives follow, services we offer, and helpful information about pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum time. Discover Midwives has reliable resources to help women understand their healthcare options and reclaim ownership of the decisions they make during this monumental time. Midwives know how strong you are!
Click on the "Discover Midwives" logo to visit the site and learn more.
Click on the "Discover Midwives" logo to visit the site and learn more.

Evidence Based Birth offers accurate, accessible, and inclusive research that empowers your childbirth choices. Take the pressure off yourself to be the expert tasked to find and sort through the overwhelming amount of information about pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum time. Check out their site and let their team of scientists and educators make it easier for you to make the informed choices that matter most to you.

Black Mamas Matter Alliance is working to advance Black maternal health, drive research, change policy, and shift culture for Black maternal rights and reproductive justice. BMMA provides technical assistance, training, and capacity building for grassroots organizations, maternity care providers (e.g. clinicians, midwives, doula networks and community health workers), academia, and the public health industry.

Doula services can be an important part of your birth experience. The more committed you are to avoiding medication and unnecessary interventions, the more you can benefit from the continuous physical & emotional support provided by a doula. A relationship with a dedicated doula can help to safeguard your birth experience.

Women who want to breastfeed often experience normal challenges that can be overcome. The mission of La Leche League USA is to help women to breastfeed through community support, encouragement, and information to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
You can read breastfeeding tips on the LLL USA site and find support from community leaders who are trained parent volunteers. Meetings are free.
You can read breastfeeding tips on the LLL USA site and find support from community leaders who are trained parent volunteers. Meetings are free.

The International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) is dedicated to improving maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, promoting resources for having a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), and help for traumatic cesarean recovery. ICAN Chapter leaders host free support meetings where available and peer-to-peer connections are another option to access support.

Childbirth Connection is now a core program of the National Partnership for Women & Families. Their site provides evidence-based information to help navigate decisions made throughout the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Your choices, when based on high-quality information and your values and preferences, can lead to an empowering and positive birth, a strong and connected family, and a confident approach to parenthood. Click on the Childbirth Connection logo to learn more about the power of informed choices made with reliable information.