Githunguri MP, Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, has spoken out against the mistreatment of women during childbirth and the postpartum period.
She is urging the Ministry of Health to develop a national policy specifically aimed at preventing obstetric violence (OBV) in healthcare facilities throughout the country.
“Pre- and post-partum mistreatment and dehumanized care have become a recurring concern for women seeking maternal healthcare,” stated Hon. Wamuchomba while moving a notice of motion in the National Assembly.
Obstetric violence, as defined by Hon. Wamuchomba, includes disrespectful and abusive language, physical and verbal assault, neglect, forced medical procedures, and humiliation.
“Sustained class-based disparities shape different maternal and infant health outcomes with women of low socio-economic status experiencing greater levels of obstetric violence; further concerned that, this not only affects women’s physical and mental health, but also impacts on the overall health outcomes of mothers and their newborns, significantly contributing to high maternal mortality rates”, added Hon. Wamuchomba.
In her motion, Hon. Wamuchomba has called for the development of a national policy to address and prevent obstetric violence and a framework for regular monitoring and reporting of cases to curb incidences of pre- and post-partum mistreatment of women seeking health services.
