Thread: Revisiting the "birth rape" topic....

Has anyone seen these?

http://www.theunnecesarean.com/blog/...n-venezue.html

http://feministing.com/2010/11/10/ob...efine-consent/

What do you all think of the "Obstetric violence" term? Do you think that it would satisfy both sides of the "birth rape" debate?

I'm thinking it could lead to a lot less devisiveness. It would still be someone controversial (I mean amongst the general public), but not nearly as much as the term "birth rape" I would think.

I meant to comment on this earlier--I think "obstetric violence" is a very appropriate term for the issue, and also includes abuses that don't really fit under "rape." I also like "obstetric" instead of "birth" because it more clearly portrays that the problem is with medical professionals and not inherent in birth itself.

Originally Posted by MrsMangoBabe

I meant to comment on this earlier--I think "obstetric violence" is a very appropriate term for the issue, and also includes abuses that don't really fit under "rape." I also like "obstetric" instead of "birth" because it more clearly portrays that the problem is with medical professionals and not inherent in birth itself.

I think it is a good alternative.

I love it! ( and I am not a fan of birth rape term)

It places the blame where it belongs, and describes the real issue well, rather than trying to analogize the problem.

Originally Posted by Potter75

I love it! ( and I am not a fan of birth rape term)

Really? I couldn't tell.

I think the term is really appropriate as well. I think it is better suited to bring women together, rather than dividing them.

I'm really glad I came across those posts.

http://hencigoer.com/downloads/cruel...nity_wards.pdf

Check out this by Henci Goer. It was on her face book page not that long ago.

I totally agree with that term usage, I think it effectively illustrates how horrific some of these incidences are without stepping into the range of sexual assault for sexual gratification. That article was an amazing read! (though its hard to read about some of the traumas women had to suffer through)

Originally Posted by awini8

http://hencigoer.com/downloads/cruel...nity_wards.pdf

Check out this by Henci Goer. It was on her face book page not that long ago.

I just couldn't read the whole thing. When I hear about the things that women go through having a baby, I cry. I was reading part of it and I must have gasped so DH asked me what I was reading so I told him about the comparison of domestic violence and birth. He kind of rolled his eyes at me, so I jumped on my soapbox and started giving him examples. He finally got it, when I said okay, well, when my dr cut my episiotomy, did I have a choice in it? It was either that cut or a cut in my belly again, those were the only two options given to me, now I did have a decent birth experience, but I'd call that assault. 15 minutes later I finally got down off my soapbox and I believe I may have just sealed my argument for why I will be birthing the next baby at home and I do believe he will be on board