Respectful motherhood and safe online spaces

As the world observed the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, it marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

- SRINIVAS MADHAV

This year's theme, "Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNITE to End Violence against Women," calls for action.

Amid this, it is crucial to address a largely overlooked issue: maternity violence. In India, unnecessary Cesarean deliveries and obstetric violence have become alarming trends, jeopardizing women's right to safe and dignified maternity care.

Research by IIT, Madras reveals a significant rise in Cesarean deliveries between 2016 and 2021. The National Family Health Survey 2019-21 (NFHS-5) highlights a sharp increase in Cesarean deliveries in private facilities, climbing to 47.4 per cent in 2019-21 from 40.9 per cent in 2015-16. Shockingly, in four states - Assam, Odisha, Telangana, and West Bengal - the rates exceeded 70 per cent in private hospitals.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cesarean rates above 10-15 per cent at a population level are not associated with reductions in maternal and new-born mortality. While domestic violence dominates discussions, maternity violence remains underexplored in India.

Countries like Venezuela provide a legal framework to address obstetric violence, recognizing practices such as unnecessary Cesarean sections and lack of informed consent as violations.

Unwarranted Cesarean deliveries pose risks such as infections, prolonged recovery and complications in future pregnancies. Delayed or reduced breastfeeding, a common consequence, worsens child malnutrition crisis. A study by Aalborg University and Ariadne Labs has also linked Cesarean deliveries to long-term health risks, including an increased likelihood of requiring a hysterectomy.