Obstetric Violence and Respectful Maternity Care: Global Perspectives, Educational Strategies, and Legal Dimensions

Abstract

Obstetric violence is a major public health and human rights issue encompassing physical, verbal, psychological, and structural mistreatment experienced by women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Failure to respect women's privacy, lack of informed consent, unnecessary medical interventions, communication deficiencies, and practices inconsistent with woman-centered care constitute the main components of obstetric violence. In recent years, obstetric violence has been recognized not only as an issue related to individual care failures but also as a multidimensional problem associated with healthcare systems, cultural norms, and institutional structures. This review aimed to examine the global perspectives on obstetric violence, educational interventions, and legal dimensions in light of current literature. Findings indicate that the manifestations of obstetric violence differ across countries. While over-medicalization appears more prominent in developed countries, inadequate care, physical and verbal abuse, and violations of privacy are more frequently reported in low- and middle-income countries. Educational interventions targeting healthcare professionals have been shown to increase awareness of respectful maternity care, improve communication skills, and strengthen sensitivity toward patient rights. Although obstetric violence has been legally recognized and regulated in several countries, direct legal frameworks addressing this issue remain limited in Türkiye. Strengthening woman-centered care approaches, improving healthcare education, and developing legal regulations are necessary to prevent obstetric violence.