LAUSR

In recent years, a global conversation regarding the mistreatment of women during obstetric and delivery care has emerged. Micro level interactions which offend the dignity and autonomy of the mother range from the blatant abuse of hitting and slapping to subtle coercion or lack of informed consent to achieve an outcome desired by the birth attendant or staff, but not necessarily beneficial to the mother or infant. Systemic problems with hospital staffing and resources sometimes leave women neglected when obstetric care is promised. Hospital design which lacks privacy can offend the dignity of birthing women. Emotional birth trauma could be leading more women to seek birth services outside the hospital, opting instead for birth centers or home births. The World Health Organization (WHO) has marked disrespect and abuse during childbirth in medical facilities a priority for evaluation, prevention and elimination (WHO, 2014). The WHO statement reads: