Lawmakers Call for Law to Address Obstetric Violence

Members of the House of Representatives have called for obstetric violence to be legally recognized as an offence, saying stronger laws are needed to ensure respectful and dignified maternity care.

They made the remarks at a discussion on “The Need for Legislation on Respectful Maternity Care and Addressing Obstetric Violence”, organized by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD) on Monday.

FWLD advocate Dipesh Shrestha said respectful maternity care should be free from abuse, coercion and mistreatment and should ensure dignity, sensitivity and informed decision-making.

He called for obstetric violence to be classified as an offence, amendment of Section 6(2) of the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act, 2018, compensation for victims and non-discriminatory maternity services.

Shrestha also presented findings from research on respectful maternity care in Nepal and said the country has international obligations to strengthen legal protection against obstetric violence.

MP Balawati Sharma stressed the need for legislation to reduce violence during childbirth and called for greater awareness among doctors and nurses. MP Radhika Ramte l said obstetric violence remains a serious concern in remote parts of Karnali.

MPs Sushila Dhakal Acharya, Prabha Karki and Achyutam Lamichhane emphasized family support, women’s health and awareness of women’s rights, respectively.

MP Eliza Gurung stressed girls’ education and legal measures against negligence in healthcare, while MP Guru Baral called for improvements in healthcare practices, public awareness and laws.

MP Sirjana Shrestha said education and awareness should be prioritized alongside legal reform. Other lawmakers also called for stronger state action to ensure safe and respectful maternity care.

MP Hari Bhushal said social attitudes have changed but hospital practices still need improvement. MP Ambikadevi Sangraula referred to the case of Babita Paswan from Saptari and urged stakeholders to learn from such incidents to prevent their recurrence.

MP Ranjhu Darshana said family support alone was not enough to ensure respectful maternity care and stressed the importance of women’s mental well-being and adequate support for husbands.