Obstetric Violence: The Hidden Harm of Words During Childbirth and Breaking the Silence

"Shut up".. "Bear it".. "All women give birth".. "Don't exaggerate"! These phrases might seem normal or common to those who say them, but in reality, they form a harsh and hurtful part of the childbirth experience for many women. Obstetric violence is not just about medical negligence or errors; it extends to include verbal and psychological abuse that leaves a profound impact at a time when a mother is in dire need of safety, support, and respect.

The Psychological Impact of Obstetric Violence on Mothers Subjecting a woman to neglect or belittling her pain and fears during childbirth creates psychological trauma that can last for years. This violence manifests in several forms, including:

• Lack of Emotional Support: Depriving a mother of empathy in her moments of physical and psychological vulnerability multiplies her feelings of pain, loneliness, and anxiety.
• Normalizing Pain: Using stereotyped phrases to downplay what the woman is going through, stripping her of her natural right to express her pain and exhaustion.
• Loss of Medical Safety: When the medical staff turns from a source of care and safety into a source of psychological pressure and intimidation, the woman loses trust in the entire healthcare system.

Conclusion Silence does not heal the pain, but speaking up breaks the silence and breaks the violence. Our space at the "Madad" initiative and the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF) is always safe and confidential for your voice to reach out and be heard. Share your experience with us in the comments or through private messages. Your voice matters, and it encourages others to speak up and demand their rights to safe and dignified healthcare.