Preventing obstetric violence

The topic of preventing obstetric violence was addressed at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova during an event organized as part of the "16 Days of Activism to Eliminate Gender Violence" campaign. 

The action took place on December 19, 2022, at the initiative of the Platform of Women Deputies from the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, represented by Doina Gherman, Larisa Novac, Ana Calinici and Marcela Adam. Several members of UNFPA Moldova also participated in the event: Cornelia Vintea-Creciun, SRH Humanitarian Program analyst, and Alexandra Ermolenco, program coordinator at the Development Partnership Center. 

The reunion was attended by representatives of the University - rector Emil Ceban, first vice-rector Olga Cernetchi, vice-rector for didactic activity, head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sergiu Gladun, director of the Mother and Child Institute, as well as scientific and didactic staff from the relevant disciplines etc. 

"Today's dialogue will focus on a constructive discussion, aimed at identifying solutions to eliminate this phenomenon. In this context, the first problem we are witnessing is the faulty communication throughout the country, including in the field of medicine. The second problem relates to the underdevelopment of the health system, the low salaries of health workers. Unfortunately, it is a legacy that we must remove, including through such communication campaigns. Nicolae Testemitanu University is an institution that develops rapidly, offers high-quality studies and trains professionals for the health system of the Republic of Moldova and more than 30 other countries, that is why we announce our openness for identifying solutions to eliminate obstetric violence ", emphasized the rector.

For her part, deputy Doina Gherman has thanked the rector for the message of solidarity, specifying that she is glad that the principle of gender equality is respected at Nicolae Testemitanu University. "In the legislature we are still fighting stereotypes deeply rooted in our society, as any injustice and form of violence in society starts from gender inequalities, that's why we encourage you to continue in this manner, the participation of both women and men in the social, economic and political life of the country is extremely important. The addressed subject is very sensitive for the whole society, including for us - the political class, but also for you as part of this guild, that's why we think it is essential to have a constructive discussion from the start, to be attentive to all the activities and actions that we are going to coordinate. Our message is an open, friendly one, we aim to find common solutions for a pressing problem", the parliamentarian pointed out. 

In the opinion of Professor Olga Cernetchi, this issue has roots dating back to times when the focus was on results - the birth of a healthy child, regardless of the conditions in which the birth takes place. The second part of the problem begins in the 20th century - the period of administration of drugs during labor, especially painkillers. At the third stage, 20 years ago, changes occurred in the health system, namely the medical records of pregnant women were transferred to family doctors, a fact that was to the disadvantage of the obstetrics and gynecology service, because the meeting with the obstetrician only occurs at childbirth. "The profession of an obstetrician is very difficult and requires much responsibility because the doctor knows the situation at the first stages of labor, but not how things will evolve towards the end of it due to possible complications", noted the first vice-rector.

Cornelia Vintea-Creciun, SRH Humanitarian Program analyst, UNFPA Moldova, spoke about the tools of the Communication Plan, such as trainings for young parents, for doctors, feedback questionnaires, development of success stories of doctors who have provided medical care to the same woman during 3 childbirths.