While the debate on obstetric violence is not faltering, and pending the report of the High Council for Equality on the subject commanded by Marlene Schiappa, Secretary of State for Gender Equality, the Women's Foundation take the lead and publish "Childbirth, my rights, my choices." *

This legal guide, "to hand in the hands of all pregnant women", says the foundation, aims to inform them of their rights in terms of pregnancy and childbirth, but also to give them tools to know how to impose their choices.

Episiotomy, non-consented gynecological examinations ... A guide that puts things back

In fact, for the past few months, not a week has passed without anyone hearing or reading testimonies from women who have undergone an episiotomy without their consent or a humiliating gynecological examination. Physical or verbal violence long passed in silence and that women did not dare denounce until then.

A statement that motivates today the foundation, very involved in supporting projects for women's rights and the fight against violence against them, to better accompany them and to enlighten them legally.

Notions of medical information, consent, rights and refusals of patients, duties of health professionals, possible legal remedies, focus on episiotomy, position during childbirth or abdominal expression ... The guide was written by lawyers from the foundation, in collaboration with midwives, gynecologists and associations to be as complete and practical as possible for the patients.

Every woman has the right to refuse a medical act that bothers her

"Everyone has the right to be informed about their state of health.   investigations, treatments or preventive actions that are   proposed, their usefulness, their   possible emergency, their consequences, the   frequently foreseeable frequent or serious risks, as well as other possible solutions and foreseeable consequences in case of refusal. Article L. 1111-2 al.1 of the Code of Public Health, "recalls the guide.

It teaches that every woman has "the right at all times to refuse a vaginal touch, an epidural, a trigger, a detachment of the membranes, the presence of interns, externs, students (s) wise women or nurses ... any act that makes her feel uncomfortable, disturbs her or hurts her "during her delivery and that" every professional has to collect orally (their ) consent before acting, especially if the act is invasive. "

Rights that also concern women in the event of miscarriage, voluntary or medical termination of pregnancy.

Sexist remarks pinned

The Women's Foundation also gives several tips to help you prepare your childbirth, such as anticipating how to do it, "especially during the Early Prenatal Interview, by learning about the procedures usually performed in the facility chosen to give birth or by the health professional chosen, to ask all questions until everything is perfectly clear and when a medical procedure is proposed, to ask what are the other possible solutions. " And do not hesitate "to seek further medical advice."

And because it is not only obstetric violence but also gynecological abuse, this guide is also for those who may also undergo non-consensual examinations, humiliation or sexist remarks during a simple visit. their gynecologist.

* Free download at fondationfemmes.org/legal-guide-birthing