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Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has launched a call centre to combat obstetric violence (OBV).
The centre, unveiled on Thursday, November 28, at the Kenya Women and Children’s Wellness Centre in Roysambu, Nairobi, will provide support for women facing mistreatment during pregnancy, childbirth, and post-childbirth.
The initiative is a response to growing concerns about OBV, a form of reproductive violence often inflicted by healthcare providers.
“Obstetric violence is a silent crisis that continues to rob women of their dignity during some of their most vulnerable moments,” said Wamuchomba.
“This call centre is crucial in ensuring women get the care they deserve. By documenting these cases, we are laying the groundwork for advocacy and change.”
The centre aims to be a centralised hub for affordable and reliable support for women affected by OBV.
It will coordinate interventions with healthcare providers, legal bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure victims receive the necessary assistance.
At the same time, the centre will collect and document OBV cases to support research, inform future policies and push for systemic change in maternal care.
Wamuchomba explained that OBV includes a range of harmful behaviors, such as abuse, neglect, and mistreatment, carried out by healthcare professionals during childbirth.
While not defined in law, OBV is a form of reproductive violence that violates women’s rights and dignity, often resulting in physical and psychological harm.In some tragic cases, OBV can contribute to maternal and infant mortality.
“The launch of this call centre is a critical step in ensuring that women can speak out, seek justice, and demand respectful maternal care,” Wamuchomba said.
“It also offers a platform for women to feel protected and covered during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives.”
The initiative is also expected to empower women across the country to seek legal redress and demand better treatment during childbirth.
With the call centre in place, Wamuchomba hopes the initiative will contribute to improved healthcare practices and a culture of respect for women’s reproductive rights as it is vital to protect women’s dignity during childbirth and ensure they receive the care and support they deserve.
