London, United Kingdom – A growing movement to address and prevent obstetric and gynecological violence (VGO) is gaining momentum, with Belgium recently implementing new recommendations aimed at safeguarding patient rights and improving healthcare practices. This comes as awareness of VGO – encompassing any act of violence, physical or verbal, committed during medical care related to pregnancy, childbirth, or reproductive health – increases globally. The issue, long underreported and often dismissed, is now prompting systemic changes in healthcare systems to prioritize patient safety, informed consent, and respectful care.
Obstetric and gynecological violence can manifest in numerous ways, ranging from non-consensual medical procedures and disrespectful language to physical abuse and denial of pain management. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines respectful maternity care as care that is “free from disrespect and discrimination. it is person-centered, and it upholds the human rights of every woman throughout her reproductive life.” The WHO has identified several key elements of respectful maternity care, including good professional conduct, a supportive environment, and effective communication.
Belgium’s New Recommendations: Prioritizing Patient Rights
The recent recommendations in Belgium, developed by a working group coordinated by the Institute for Equality between Women and Men, focus on several key areas. A central tenet is ensuring patients are fully informed of their rights throughout their healthcare journey. This will be achieved through public awareness campaigns designed to empower individuals to understand and assert their autonomy. The recommendations also emphasize the importance of strengthening dialogue between healthcare professionals and patients, fostering an environment where informed decision-making is paramount.
According to the associations of gynecologists involved in the development of these guidelines, the new approach places “the patient at the heart of care in sexual and reproductive health.” They state that preventing VGO requires a partnership between healthcare professionals and patients, with the patient becoming an “active actor” in their own health. This shift towards shared decision-making is seen as crucial in preventing instances of violence and ensuring that care is aligned with individual preferences and needs.
The recommendations also highlight the need for improved training for healthcare professionals. Initial medical education curricula will be revised to incorporate comprehensive training on patient rights, communication skills, and the prevention of VGO. There is a focus on inclusivity, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable groups – including the elderly, people with disabilities, migrants, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community – are adequately addressed.
The Importance of Data Collection and Knowledge Sharing
Recognizing that a comprehensive understanding of the scope of VGO is essential for effective prevention, the Belgian recommendations call for a large-scale national survey to collect data on the prevalence of these incidents. This data will be used to inform future policies and interventions. The recommendations also emphasize the importance of knowledge sharing between maternity wards and specialists, creating a network of best practices to improve care standards across the country.
The need for robust data collection is echoed by international organizations. The WHO notes that a lack of reliable data on VGO hinders efforts to address the problem effectively. Their fact sheet on preventing and responding to obstetric violence underscores the importance of establishing monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track incidents and identify areas for improvement.
Impact on Healthcare Professionals
The Belgian working group also acknowledged that VGO can have negative consequences for healthcare professionals themselves. They noted that professionals may be confronted with situations of violence directed towards them, often stemming from hierarchical, organizational, or institutional pressures. This recognition highlights the need for support systems and resources for healthcare workers to navigate challenging situations and protect their own well-being.
This is a growing area of concern globally. Healthcare workers, particularly those in maternity settings, are increasingly reporting experiencing verbal abuse, threats, and even physical violence from patients or their families. Addressing this issue requires creating a culture of respect within healthcare facilities and providing professionals with the training and support they need to manage difficult interactions.
Defining Obstetric and Gynecological Violence
While the term “obstetric violence” is widely used, it’s important to understand the breadth of what constitutes VGO. It extends beyond physical abuse and includes a range of harmful practices. These can include:
- Non-consensual medical procedures: Performing procedures without obtaining informed consent.
- Disrespectful and discriminatory language: Using demeaning or offensive language towards patients.
- Denial of pain management: Refusing or delaying pain relief options.
- Lack of privacy: Failing to protect patient privacy during examinations or procedures.
- Unnecessary medical interventions: Performing interventions that are not medically justified.
- Failure to provide adequate information: Not providing patients with clear and understandable information about their condition and treatment options.
Broader International Context
Belgium is not alone in addressing the issue of VGO. Several countries around the world are taking steps to protect patient rights and improve the quality of maternity care. In Latin America, particularly in Argentina and Mexico, there has been a strong movement to criminalize obstetric violence and hold healthcare providers accountable for abusive practices.
Argentina passed a law in 2019 establishing the right to respectful childbirth and criminalizing obstetric violence. Human Rights Watch reported on the significance of this legislation, noting that it provides a legal framework for addressing abuses that have long been ignored. Mexico has also seen growing calls for legislation to protect women’s rights during childbirth.
In Europe, the Council of Europe has adopted resolutions calling for the prevention of VGO and the protection of women’s reproductive rights. These resolutions urge member states to implement measures to ensure respectful maternity care and to address the root causes of violence against women in healthcare settings.
Key Takeaways
- Belgium has implemented new recommendations to prevent obstetric and gynecological violence (VGO).
- The recommendations prioritize patient rights, informed consent, and respectful care.
- Improved training for healthcare professionals and data collection are key components of the new approach.
- VGO is a global issue, with growing movements to address it in Latin America and Europe.
The implementation of these recommendations in Belgium represents a significant step towards creating a more respectful and safe healthcare environment for women. However, sustained efforts are needed to ensure that these guidelines are effectively implemented and that VGO is eradicated. The ongoing national survey will be crucial in monitoring progress and identifying areas where further intervention is needed.
The next key development to watch for is the publication of the results of the national survey on VGO in Belgium, expected in late 2027. This data will provide a clearer picture of the prevalence of these incidents and inform future policy decisions. We encourage readers to share their experiences and perspectives on this important issue in the comments below.