Obstetric violence refers to rights violations and abuses experienced by pregnant women and birthing people while accessing healthcare during pregnancy, labour, childbirth and in the postpartum period. This form of gender-based violence presents a significant threat to the global health of women and children. Embrace believes that the key to ending this form of gender-based violence in South Africa lies in elevating the voices and experiences of mothers on the ground, and bringing their stories into the rooms in which policies to improve healthcare are made.
The key to ending obstetric violence in South Africa lies in elevating the voices and experiences of mothers on the ground. To this end, we have partnered with filmmakers and impact agency, Makhulu Media to produce a mini-documentary series – PUSH COMES TO SHOVE – STORIES OF OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE. Watch the trailer. If you would like to receive a screening pack to host your own screening of PUSH COMES TO SHOVE, please email us at info@embrace.org.za According to our #CountOurBirths survey, which explored the birth experiences of individuals in South Africa, an overwhelming majority of the survey respondents who indicated that they had experienced obstetric violence did not report it. While reporting methods may not be flawless, there are avenues available to report obstetric violence. If you’ve experienced obstetric violence or any form of mistreatment while accessing health care during pregnancy, labour, childbirth, or postpartum, remember, you have the right to speak up and seek redress.
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HOST YOUR OWN SCREENING OF THE DOCUMENTARY
Here are some ways to report obstetric violence:
