Citation

Sen G, Reddy B, Iyer A. Reprod. Health Matters 2018; 26(53): 6-18.

Affiliation

Senior Research Scientist & Adjunct Associate Professor , Ramalingaswami Centre on Equity & Social Determinants of Health , Public Health Foundation of India, Bangalore , India.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1080/09688080.2018.1508173

PMID

30189791

Abstract

Concerns about disrespect and abuse (D&A) experienced by women during institutional birth have become critical to the discourse on maternal health. The rapid growth of the field from diverse points of origin has given rise to multiple and, at times, confusing interpretations of D&A, pointing to the need for greater clarity in the concepts themselves. Furthermore, attention to measurement of the problem has been excessive when viewed in relation to the small amount of work on critical drivers of disrespect and abuse. This paper raises some key issues of conceptualisation and measurement for the field, puts forward a working definition, and explores two critical drivers of D&A - intersecting social and economic inequality, and the institutional structures and processes that frame the practice of obstetric care. By identifying gaps and raising questions about the deeper causes of D&A, we point to potentially fruitful directions for research and action.

Language: en

Keywords

Disrespect and abuse; humanised childbirth; institutionalised medicine; mistreatment; obstetric violence; respectful maternity care; socio-economic inequality