De-normalizing Obstetric Violence in Italy: Digital Storytelling as Source of Information and Identification.

Abstract

A #MeToo movement ("#ancheame" in Italian) gained momentum in Italy in January 2023 in the wake of a newborn's death resulting peak in women's online discussion about obstetric violence. This research explored women's perceptions of obstetric violence as shared online. The ultimate goal was to gain insight and information for improving obstetrical training and help health personnel recognize and reduce obstetric violence. Through the method of digital storytelling the results indicate that medical procedures done without consent, pressure to breastfeed, verbal aggression, and a lack of respect, information, and attention to women's needs may constitute perceived aspects of obstetric violence.