Household air pollution and under-five mortality in Kyrgyzstan: a survival analysis using multiple indicator cluster survey 2023 data.

Obstetric violence has emerged as a global public health problem that violates the rights and dignity of women during one of the most significant moments of their lives. This phenomenon, characterized by dehumanizing treatment, verbal and physical abuse, and lack of informed consent, is a type of gender-based violence that occurs in healthcare settings during childbirth and the postpartum period. Obstetric violence varies considerably in its prevalence and forms, affecting both high-income and low- and middle-income countries. In Latin America, a recent study found that 44% of women in Argentina experienced it, while 33% in Mexico reported experiencing this type of abuse. These rates suggest that abusive practices in birthing settings are persistent and strongly linked to sociocultural and institutional factors that perpetuate structural violence in obstetric care. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not explicitly use the term “obstetric violence” but recognizes the problem of mistreatment during childbirth. It identifies forms such as disrespect, verbal and physical abuse, discrimination, and procedures without consent, and promotes respectful maternity care focused on dignity, privacy, informed choice, and continuous support. Several authors have used the term obstetric violence to describe mistreatment, non-consented procedures, verbal abuse, and dehumanizing practices experienced during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.