KENYA WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS ASSOCIATION CALLS FOR END OF OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE

KENYA WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS ASSOCIATION CALLS FOR END OF OBSTETRIC  VIOLENCE .

Member of Parliament for Githunguri Hon. Gathoni , in partnership with KEWOPA at a press briefing in Nairobi. 

By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & PATRICK KIMANZI 

THE COUNTY DIARY NEWS REPORTERS 

Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, Member of Parliament for 

Githunguri, in partnership with KEWOPA (Kenya Women Parliamentary Association today held obstetrics violence  sensatization meeting against women , that occurs while receiving maternal care, that is when they are pregnant in labour and after giving birth under the  Campaign#Heshimu Uzazi. 

"Every women , regardless of her social or economic status , deserves a dignified and respectful childbirth experience, free from any form of violence or a buse . The has come for us to undo the injustice suffered by women under OBV in Kenya ." said Gathoni.

Obstetric violence (OBV) is a pressing and pervasive issue that infringes upon the fundamental rights of women and contradicts the principles of compassionate and respectful maternity care. 

This form of violence encompasses physical, sexual, verbal abuse, bullying, coercion, humiliation, or assault experienced by women during their pregnancy, labor, and 

postpartum periods while receiving medical care. Regrettably, OBV often stems from medical 

professionals, including nurses, doctors, and midwives.

OBV intersects between institutional violence and violence against women during the maternal and postpartum phases, and it extends its reach into both public and private healthcare 

facilities. 

This violation of human rights has dire consequences, impacting women's physical 

and mental well-being, potentially leading to degrading and inhumane childbirth experiences, health complications, severe psychological distress, postpartum depression, mental illness, trauma, and tragically, in some cases, neglect-induced fatalities.

It is alarming to note that OBV is alarmingly widespread, affecting up to one in three women 

globally. Its prevalence is notably high in low and middle-income countries, where women 

often face barriers to accessing quality healthcare services.

The Obstetrics Violence Sensitization Meeting aims to shed light on 

this critical issue, unraveling its prevalence, underlying causes, and 

the urgent need for comprehensive interventions. Our mission is to 

advocate for childbirth experiences that are dignified, respectful, and 

safe for all women, irrespective of their background or circumstances.