‘Obstetric violence’ casts obstetricians as perpetrators – but we can do better for women who have suffered

Dr Vijay Roach
Dr Vijay Roach. Photo: RANZCOG’s Facebook.

The record number of submissions to the NSW parliamentary inquiry into birth trauma underscores that the birth of a baby, while a joyous occasion, is associated with significant physical and psychological trauma for many women, with sequelae that can be life changing.

That’s why the discussion needs to begin with a genuine acknowledgement of women’s pain and suffering in childbirth.