March 10, 2022

End labour violence on mothers in the Balkans!

topic:	Women's rights
located:	Bosnia and Herzegovina
editor:	Katarina Panić

Human rights activists from several cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina held rallies on International Women’s Day under the motto ‘Safe childbirth is a political issue,’ drawing attention to obstetric violence. They walked through the streets in Banja Luka carrying banners, some of which read “Women in labour deserve dignity,” “We want maternity hospitals without corruption and fear,” and “Childbirth is not an experiment.” 

Among the many, some posters showed support for mothers from minority groups who are more vulnerable to discriminatory treatment, such as lesbians, Roma people and persons with disabilities. Besides marching against disrespect and abuse during childbirth and airing the painful experiences of mothers who underwent labour in public hospitals, Banja Luka-based NGO Oštra nula (Sharp Zero) organised a fundraiser for supplies that expecting mothers need and that public hospitals do not provide. 

Hospitals have no soap, toilet paper, disinfectants, antiseptics, baby diapers or wet wipes. Instead of clean bedding, mothers in labour often lay in their own blood. This, along with the lack of medical personnel, the old decrepit buildings, and the shortage of quality food all contribute to the neglected right to painless treatment for mothers. 

“Despite all these things that mostly relate to a lack of money, what upsets me is that we miss on something cost-free: doctors’ and nurses’ professional and human approach towards patients," a lawyer Jovana Kisin said in a podcast produced by the campaign. "I was told to forget about my dignity once I went to deliver. And I did so. Still, I am not ready to accept that as normal." 

Oštra nula surveyed mothers that had deliveries in public hospitals and collected 420 personal stories that showed the wide range of problems. The most common was a lack of information, forced induction, unjustified episiotomy, verbal insults, sexualisation, dehumanisation and seclusion. Activists warned that it is not enough to eliminate the violence, but that it is necessary to create a friendly, supportive and encouraging environment for future mothers.   

The culture of giving birth all over the Balkans is opposed by traditionalism, misogyny and patriarchy so profoundly that many mothers do not even recognise the obstetric violence, dismissing it as a common experience that everyone goes through. Experts believe that a law against obstetric violence would be a solution and support the presence of fathers or doulas during birth.

Photo by Philippe Spitalier

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