Women's Internalization and Acceptance of Obstetric Mistreatment: Evidence from Jharkhand, India

Rashi Jain, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
Dr Pratap Chandra Mohanty, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee

This study investigates the internalization and acceptance of obstetric mistreatment among women in Jharkhand, India. Drawing on feminist theory, social cognitive theory, and Bohren et al.'s typology of obstetric mistreatment, this research explores how women internalize these abusive practices, often accepting them as a normal part of childbirth. The study employs a facility exit survey conducted across two districts, Ranchi and Dhanbad of Jharkhand, to capture diverse experiences of childbirth from both public and private healthcare settings. Preliminary findings from quantitative data suggest that 17.3% of women experienced verbal or physical abuse, or some form of discrimination while 29.25% accepted harsh treatment as typical. The results highlight the need for healthcare reforms that focus on both the quality of care and community-based interventions aimed at empowering women and promoting respectful maternity care.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Health and Morbidity, Gender Dynamics, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

See extended abstract.