Obstetric Violence: Syrian Women Speak Out

Syrian women speak out about obstetric violence while giving birth. Credit: Sonia Al-Ali/IPSby Sonia Al Ali (aleppo, syria)Tuesday, August 11, 2026Inter Press Service ALEPPO, Syria, August 11 (IPS) - The abuse 30-year-old Nour Al-Badawi experienced in an Aleppo public hospital while giving birth resulted in her having two major follow-up operations and left her with depression and anxiety. She is one Syrian woman who spoke out to IPS about “obstetric violence” – a term that refers to physical, verbal, or psychological abuse by healthcare providers; medical interventions performed without the pregnant woman’s informed consent; and violations of her dignity and privacy within healthcare facilities.The experience of these women extends far beyond medical challenges and harsh humanitarian conditions.Obstetric violence encompasses all forms of abuse, neglect, violations of dignity and privacy, or the performance of medical interventions without informed consent.Al-Badawi describes her most recent childbirth experience as one of the harshest chapters of her life.“Poverty forces us to give birth in public hospitals and endure the mistreatment that takes place there. Because of the violenc...