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AUSTRALIA
First published: 08 September 2025
It is time to acknowledge that there is an increased risk of harm driven by the promotion of “normality-centred” care. The NSW and UK birth trauma inquiries have identified this through the submissions but have failed to state it in plain language. Change that is desperately overdue in maternity services will not arrive unless we unambiguously state what is needed. Clinicians must provide unbiased information to women. True collaboration prioritises women over ideological mores. Honest attempts at reducing birth trauma require clinicians to respect maternal choice, including opting for, or declining, interventions. Failure to do so only creates further trauma. Ultimately, bespoke care provision will occur when the birthing woman can direct her care, to suit her individual needs.
Hazel Keedle , Warren Keedle, and Hannah G. Dahlen
Globally, a significant number of women report experiencing obstetric violence (OV) during childbirth. The United Nations has identified OV as a form of gendered violence. OV can be perpetrated by any healthcare professional (HCP) and is influenced by systemic issues such as HCP education, staffing ratios, and lack of access to continuity of care. The current study examined the experiences of OV reported in a national survey conducted in 2021 by Australian women who had given birth in the previous five years. A content analysis of 626 open-text comments revealed three main categories: “I felt dehumanized,” “I felt violated,” and “I felt powerless.” Women reported instances of bullying, coercion, non-empathic care, and physical and sexual assault. The subcategories with the most comments were disrespect and abuse, as well as non-consented vaginal examinations.
