UN asks Irish maternity advocate to help set up legal framework to combat obstetric violence

Obstetric violence is said to be abuse by medical professionals, such as doctors or midwives, towards those giving birth, such as forcing procedures against their will or vaginal examinations without consent. File picture: Thinkstock/PA

A leading Irish maternity advocate has been approached by the UN Human Rights Commission to help create a legal and human rights framework to combat obstetric violence.

Irish Maternity Support Network director Liz Kelly says the framework will give clarity around how victims of coercive control, lack of consent and physical and verbal threats can be helped.