‘Women didn’t know what was happening’: The ethical quagmire of informed consent during childbirth
The whole system needs to change to address obstetric violence, says Dr Daniella Susic
More than one in 10 Australian women have experienced obstetric violence during childbirth, including not consenting to procedures and being denied pain relief, according to a recent study.
Vaginal exams and episiotomies were also perceived by some as sexual or physical assault, which the researchers say stems from a lack of informed consent.
