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Midwives,
This type of violence and misuse of women is exactly what ICM has been talking about and trying to heighten the aware of over the past 10 years. I think that it is important to look at the initiatives that already are in action and see if we can use them to heighten awareness and to change the situation for the women worldwide.
Obstetrical violence is a problem anywhere where women are kept subjugated, where there is poverty and where there is illiteracy.
All of the midwives who have answered Stacey have come with constructive suggestions to initiatives that can and must be taken in order to change this situation. Céline Lemay, words about respectful maternity care for women is one of keys.
Inussiarnersumik inuulluaqqusillunga/Med venlig hilsen / Sincerely
Ruth Montgomery-Andersen MPH, Dr. PhD Stud
NAPA
Paasissutissiinermik Sulisoq/Informationsmedarbejder
Information Consultant
Box 770
DK 3900 Nuuk
Kalaallit Nunaat/ Grřnland/Greenland
Tel. +299 324733 Fax: 325733
Cell: +299 559340
Fra: A forum for discussion on midwifery and reproductive health research. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Pĺ vegne af Céline Lemay
Sendt: 13. august 2008 09:34
Til: [log in to unmask]
Emne: Re: Stacy Sheer traditional midwife
Dear Stacey,
You describe something similar I witnessed in an African hospital a few years ago.
I think that in a lot of places around the world, exist what I consider as "obstetrical violence". It is institutionalised and women become captive clients because they need care and help for childbirth.
Domestic violence, sexual abuse and incest are subject that are discussed openly now and targeted in prevention programs. Mysteriously, obstetrical violence seems one of the last "taboo" almost everywere. Omerta law.
Maternal mortality is a big problem but when women are abused like that and become survivor of obstetrical "care", we are facing a much bigger problem. (nobody is doing that even to animals).
May be there is time to do some "advocacy" for women. Respectfull maternity care is women's right and is human's right.
I hope that ICM will start to speak out about that. Complex and difficult because often we are part of a system that allow abusive interventions.
In solidarity,
Céline Lemay, sage-femme, PhD
----- Original Message -----
From: [log in to unmask]" target="_blank">STACY SHEER
To: [log in to unmask]" target="_blank">[log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 12:05 PM
Subject: Stacy Sheer traditional midwife
Hi,
I found this group upon returning this past Sunday from a week long trip to work in a birthing hospital in the Dominican Republic. I am a traditional midwife and I live in the US. Upon my return, I sent this letter to a statewide midwifery organization asking what could be done. They directed me to you, attached is my letter. Please take the time time to read it and let me know your thoughts, thank you-much love-Stacy
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