BY DANCAN KEMANGA

Despite legal provisions guaranteeing access to healthcare services, including the Kenyan Constitution and the Child Health Bill,2023 that emphasizes human rights-based maternity ensuring dignified, respectful, accessible, quality healthcare, alongside freedom from violation and discrimination, still countless women worldwide suffer from conditions and abuses that strip them of their dignity and quality of life.

One such critical issue is obstetric violence, which involves the mistreatment, abuse, and neglect women face during childbirth in healthcare settings. This can include physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, all of which infringe upon women’s rights as they seek maternal healthcare. In Kenya, a survey on obstetric violence revealed compelling evidence that Kenyan mothers are subjected to gross human rights violations while seeking maternal healthcare.The ramifications of obstetric violence extend beyond the delivery room. Women who endure such treatment often suffer
long-lasting physical and psychological consequences, which can affect their overall well-being and family dynamics. This problem not only compromises women’s health and dignity but also feeds a vicious cycle of distrust in the medical establishment, discouraging others from getting the essential care they need during pregnancy and childbirth.

Addressing obstetric violence requires a collaborative effort from the government, civil society organizations advocating for women’s rights, and health organizations. Important actions include creating and enforcing laws that safeguard women from abuse while requiring accountability from
healthcare providers, regularly offering training and awareness programs on the effects of obstetric violence, and integrating human rights and maternal care into the curriculum for healthcare providers.

Campaigns to raise public awareness are essential in this fight. Through spreading awareness in the community about the value of respectful maternity care and the unacceptable nature of abuse, we can enable women to demand better support and treatment from their families and communities. These campaigns should highlight real stories, putting a human face on the issue and driving home the urgent need for change.

Moreover, establishing supportive environments and anonymous feedback mechanisms for patients can enable women to share their experiences, helping to identify and address issues of mistreatment. By implementing these measures, we can work towards a healthcare system that respects and upholds the dignity and rights of all women during childbirth.