In Europe, obstetric and gynecological violence is a product of the historical exclusion of women in a male dominated field of modern medicine and the structural deficiencies of healthcare systems, which has resulted in thousands of women and girls experiencing obstetric and gynaecological violence every year - oftentimes without full realization of it. It is difficult for these victims to identify that they are experiencing these abuses as there is no clear, universally recognized definition of obstetric and gynecological violence. A recent study by the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), outlines the psychological, physical, non-medically neccessary practices that are clearly forms of obstetric and gynecological violence. As a result of the normalization of these practices, it is easy for individuals to experience violence based on non-consensual interventions, non-evidence-based medical practices, and refusal or delay in treatment.
Compiled from: Carlotta Geremia,"Obstetric and Gynaecological Violence in Europe: When Healthcare Becomes Control," WAVE Network, Dec. 8, 2024.