Spain’s Debate Over Obstetric Violence
The issue of obstetric violence has gained renewed attention in Spain, with Health Minister Mónica García Gómez highlighting improvements in maternal care. She emphasized the importance of training healthcare staff and eliminating outdated practices to enhance safety for mothers and babies. The debate continues over the definition of obstetric violence, with differing perspectives from medical professionals and advocacy groups.
- ▪Spain's Health Minister stated that care during labor and postpartum has improved with new protocols.
- ▪The Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics prefers the term 'malpractice' over obstetric violence.
- ▪The nonprofit group El Parto es Nuestro defines obstetric violence as a distinct form of violence against women during reproductive health.
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Obstetric violence has returned to the public agenda. Spain’s Health Minister Mónica García Gómez said in a recent parliamentary question time session that care during labor and the postpartum period has improved in recent years. “Today we have more protocols that promote respectful childbirth, reduce interventions that provide no benefit, encourage skin-to-skin contact and ensure a companion is present at all times,” she said. Hospitals are expanding patient education and informed-consent practices — including birth plans and shared decision-making — to ensure women understand options and are supported throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.She stressed the need to strengthen the training and clinical skills of staff who care for pregnant women.
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