Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 13, 2026 Healthcare
Nearly seven in ten women in Eastern Europe and Central Asia report experiencing some form of mistreatment during childbirth, according to new report The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report highlights the widespread, yet often hidden, problem of obstetric violence, which violates fundamental rights and humiliates women.
The study is based on an online survey of over 2,600 women giving birth in 16 countries and territories in the region. The survey was conducted by UNFPA and partners, including the Moldovan Center for Partnership for Development.
According to the study, 67 percent of women reported experiencing at least one form of mistreatment during childbirth or medical examination. These include medical procedures without consent, verbal and physical abuse, and violations of privacy.
"These results are alarming," said Florence Bauer, UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. She emphasized that every woman has the right to the highest possible level of health care, which must include respectful and dignified treatment.
"Obstetric violence is not just a medical issue. It's a human rights violation that leaves women feeling helpless and stressed and can have long-term consequences for their health and well-being," Bauer emphasized.
Non-consensual procedures
According to the report, nearly half of the women surveyed (48.1 percent) reported having undergone medical interventions without their informed consent. These included episiotomies, cesarean sections, and the administration of oxytocin. About 24 percent of women reported instances of verbal abuse, including shouting and humiliation by medical staff.
One in ten women reported physical or sexual violence during childbirth or gynecological examinations. For example, 12 percent of women surveyed reported being restrained during labor, such as being tied to a bed or subjected to harsh physical force. Meanwhile, 10.4 percent of women reported experiencing various forms of sexual violence, from inappropriate touching to more severe assault, including humiliating genital manipulation.
However, many women do not report such cases. More than half of survey participants (53.7 percent) had never heard the term "obstetric violence," and only 2 percent of those who experienced abuse officially reported it. People often do not seek help due to mistrust of complaint mechanisms or fear of repercussions.
Regional differences
In Central Asian countries, the problem of obstetric violence is discussed less frequently than in European countries. According to the study, the highest proportion of women who had not heard of or were unaware of the concept of "obstetric violence" was recorded in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan – in these countries, approximately two-thirds of respondents were unaware of the phenomenon.
The report's authors note that the situation may be partly explained by cultural and social characteristics of the region, where traditional ideas about women's roles and childbirth may make discussions of cases of abuse less common.
The level of violations also varies among countries in the region. For example, in Albania, Moldova, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Kosovo, women were more likely to report discrimination, verbal and physical violence, and problems in the healthcare system.
Specifically, in Tajikistan, 31.8 percent of women reported verbal abuse during childbirth, and 22.7 percent reported physical violence. Meanwhile, 34 percent of women giving birth in Ukraine reported poor quality of medical care, including violations of privacy or insufficient staff qualifications.
Sexual violence was reported by 19 percent of women surveyed in Serbia and 16.2 percent in the Republic of Moldova.
Call to action
UNFPA, the European Council and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology called on governments and the medical community in the region to take comprehensive measures to eliminate obstetric violence.
Proposed steps include adopting relevant legislation, improving the training of medical personnel, informing women of their rights, creating accountability mechanisms, and conducting public information campaigns.
"Respectful treatment is not an optional extra, but a prerequisite for quality medical care," Florence Bauer emphasized. She stated that removing systemic barriers will ensure safe and dignified childbirth for every woman.
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