THE POWER TO DEFINE. OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE: BETWEEN TENSIONS, DEBATES AND THE ROMANIAN CASE STUDY
THE POWER TO DEFINE. OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE: BETWEEN TENSIONS, DEBATES AND THE ROMANIAN CASE STUDY

Summary/Abstract: In April 2024, at the request of the FEMM Committee, the European Parliament announced the launch of the study "Obstetric and Gynaecological Violence in the EU - Prevalence, Legal Frameworks, and Educational Guidelines for Prevention and Elimination." In May 2024, the European Commission also announced the launch of a commissioned study on obstetric violence, "Obstetric Violence in the European Union: Situational Analysis and Policy Recommendations." In September 2024, the Association of Independent Midwives announced the release of the first research report on obstetric violence in Romania. We are talking about a growing interest in bringing to the public and formal agenda issues related to the quality of care that women receive in interactions with the medical system, especially in relation to the topic of reproductive health. In this paper, I aim first to discuss the controversial aspects of defining and classifying inappropriate, abusive, or violent interactions, particularly in relation to obstetric health. I will attempt to answer the question, "What is obstetric violence, and who has the authority to define this term?" The answer to this question is crucial, as it will impact how obstetric violence can be integrated into a solidified legal framework. Secondly, I will analyze the Romanian case, briefly reviewing the quantitative research results conducted in collaboration with the Association of Independent Midwives, as well as examining how the debates, controversies, and potential pathways toward a legal framework are developing about the complex issues encapsulated by the concept of obstetric violence.

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