Many of the world’s healthcare systems are male-centred, rooted in patriarchal concepts and gender bias. From women’s access to healthcare being contingent on the willingness or financial capability of male relatives, to the exclusion of women in clinical trials, to the dismissal of women’s medical concerns and decisions about their own health and bodies, misogyny is prevalent in modern medicine, often resulting in misdiagnoses and even death. The issue of what’s now called obstetric violence has emerged, as more female patients speak out about their mistreatment and abuse by medical practitioners, particularly around the vulnerable time of childbirth.

The World Health Organization describes obstetric violence as “abuse, disrespect and mistreatment in childbirth that result in violations of women’s dignity by health professionals”.

But while awareness of medical misogyny is growing, many cultural, social, and legal barriers prevent its complete eradication.

00:00 Introduction

00:53 Indian women’s limited access to healthcare

07:12 Gender disparity in UK medical research

14:56 The rise of obstetric violence