Obstetric violence, and the rights of women over body autonomy -An interview with Bashi Kumar-Hazard

In this episode, we talk with Bashi Kumar-Hazard.  Bashi is
an Australian-based lawyer who works to promote the human rights
of women and infants in the provision of maternity
healthcare.  She has represented families and healthcare
providers defending their human rights in coronial inquests,
court proceedings, and civil disputes. Her background experience
is in the field of competition and consumer law. She is currently
completing a PhD in anti-competitive practices in maternity
healthcare at the University of Sydney Law School. Bashi has been
a director of Human Rights in Childbirth since 2014. In that
role, she has collaborated with consumer groups in a number of
countries, the World Health Organisation, and the International
Confederation of Midwives to advocate for and defend women's
rights in pregnancy and childbirth.


We discuss what is the law and what rights do women have over
their bodily autonomy, the 2020 CEDAW case confirming that
obstetric violence is a form of gender-based violence built on
discriminatory stereotypes and perceptions about women, the
special Rapporteur's report on abuse and disrespect in
childbirth, and gender-based violence. We also discuss
accountability for maternity care and how it can affect systemic
change.

LINKS: 
Human Rights In Childbirth (HRiC) - Bashi Kumar Hazard
http://humanrightsinchildbirth.org/

Submission from HRiC on informed consent to NICE - 



HRiC's submission - 


Special Rapporteur's report - 
.


The report is also available in French and Spanish - 



Committee on the elimination of discrimination against women
-https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/cedaw/pages/cedawindex.aspx


Report on a human-rights based approach to mistreatment and
obstetric violence during childbirth -
https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Women/SRWomen/Pages/Mistreatment.aspx


Dr Rachel Reed - https://rachel-reed.website/

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Music by Joseph McDade


Disclaimer
The information shared in this podcast is for general educational
purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice.
Always consult with a qualified professional regarding individual
health concerns.

The Midwives’ Cauldron podcast does not guarantee the
completeness or accuracy of the information provided and accepts
no liability for any loss or harm arising from reliance on this
content.