South Africa: Childbirth Abuse is Rife. So Why Don't We See It?

A survey conducted by Social Surveys Africa, commissioned by the DG Murray Trust and Embrace, indicates that approximately 1.79 million women experienced abuse during childbirth in the South African provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng over the last decade. The data suggests that an average of 490 women are mistreated during delivery each day in these regions.

The findings highlight a significant prevalence of obstetric violence within the healthcare system. The report raises questions regarding the visibility of these incidents and the systemic nature of mistreatment during the birthing process.