Dignified Motherhood: No to Obstetric Violence

The “Dignified Motherhood: No to Obstetric Violence” project was implemented by the “Point 33” NGO within the framework of the “Expanding the Impact of Civil Society Development” program, supported by the Swedish Government through the Eurasia Partnership Foundation. The program ran from August 1, 2024, to March 1, 2025.

The goal of the “Dignified Motherhood: No to Obstetric Violence” program was to uncover reliable information about manifestations of obstetric violence in Armenia and raise public awareness about the phenomenon and its consequences.

As part of the program, a qualitative study titled “Manifestations of Obstetric Violence in Armenia” was conducted. The research was conducted in three major cities—Yerevan, Gyumri, and Vanadzor—encompassing 28 women who had given birth within the last three years and 10 doctors, obstetrician-gynecologists. The study identified the following main manifestations of violence: neglect, violations of the right to informed consent, the presence of a third party or support person without the woman’s consent, normalization of pain and refusal of pain relief, and violations of the right to privacy and isolation.

The program also included the “Dignified Motherhood” journalism and creative materials competition. Over 50 applications were received, and a jury evaluated the works according to pre-established criteria. Winners received special, encouragement, and grand prizes.

Additionally, five episodes of the “Big thing” podcast were created as part of the program, available here. Interviews on the topic were conducted with various reputable experts, garnering significant views and feedback.