A Proposal for the Defense of Female Rights and Wellbeing
Canadian Researchers Pursue Consultation Charter to Prevent Obstetric and Gynecological Violence
A team of researchers from the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM) aim to establish a charter that will better define appropriate conduct during gynecological and obstetric care to prevent acts of violence. These types of encounters can be challenging for women and individuals seeking such care, with some reporting various forms of violence in these contexts.
Sylvie Lévesque, a professor in the Department of Sexology at UQAM, explained that the charter will focus on inappropriate behaviors, attitudes, or actions that disregard the consent of patients or contravene good medical practices. Examples of disrespectful care include withholding information about suitable contraceptive methods or dismissing a patient's medical history.
Moreover, Ms. Lévesque outlined physical acts, such as continuing a gynecological exam despite the patient's discomfort or request for it to stop. According to her, some respondents in a survey of 1600 individuals shared experiences of violence during their last gynecological or obstetric consultation, leading them to avoid seeking further care out of fear of recurrence.
Additionally, the survey indicated that some women no longer desired more children after complicated childbirth experiences, citing significant consequences on their lives.
Since 2015, Ms. Lévesque has been leading a research project to understand women's experiences during care and the perspective of healthcare personnel. She hopes to provide recommendations for political leaders and professional associations next year, aiming to lift the veil on preventable obstetric and gynecological violence.
On May 28, as part of the International Day of Action for Women's Health, she will participate in a study day on this topic at UQAM. Although the charter's specific details remain to be established, it may potentially be integrated into care to address the objectification of the female body and the need for empathy, patient-centered care, and cultural competency in healthcare providers.
Various initiatives already exist to sensitize healthcare personnel and inform women about their rights during consultations. Integrating modules on respectful care and sensitive approaches into the healthcare curriculum could help prevent such incidents, according to Ms. Lévesque. It's important to note that not all healthcare providers engage in violent acts.
The charter, aiming to prevent acts of violence in obstetric and gynecological care, may potentially address inappropriate behaviors in health-and-wellness settings, including mental-health and women's health, as highlighted by Professor Sylvie Lévesque. To ensure a patient-centered approach, the charter could advocate for incorporating political science principles on empathy, cultural competency, and respectful care into healthcare provider education and practice.
