Obstetric violence, and the rights of women over body autonomy -An interview with Bashi Kumar-Hazard

In this episode, we talk with Bashi Kumar-Hazard. Bashi is an Australian-based lawyer who works to promote the human rights of women and infants in the provision of maternity healthcare. She has represented families and healthcare providers defending their human rights in coronial inquests, court proceedings, and civil disputes. Her background experience is in the field of competition and consumer law. She is currently completing a PhD in anti-competitive practices in maternity healthcare at the University of Sydney Law School. Bashi has been a director of Human Rights in Childbirth since 2014. In that role, she has collaborated with consumer groups in a number of countries, the World Health Organisation, and the International Confederation of Midwives to advocate for and defend women's rights in pregnancy and childbirth. We discuss what is the law and what rights do women have over their bodily autonomy, the 2020 CEDAW case confirming that obstetric violence is a form of gender-based violence built on discriminatory stereotypes and perceptions about women, the special Rapporteur's report on abuse and disrespect in childbirth, and gender-based violence. We also discuss accountability for maternity care and how it can affect systemic change. LINKS: Human Rights In Childbirth (HRiC) - Bashi Kumar Hazard http://humanrightsinchildbirth.org/ Submission from HRiC on informed consent to NICE - <https://humanrightsinchildbirth.org/index.php/2021/02/17/shared-decision-making-in-maternity-care/> HRiC's submission - <https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Women/SR/ReproductiveHealthCare/Human%20Rights%20in%20Childbirth.pdf> Special Rapporteur's report - <https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N19/213/27/PDF/N1921327.pdf?OpenElement>. The report is also available in French and Spanish - <https://undocs.org/Home/Mobile?FinalSymbol=A%2F74%2F137&Language=E&DeviceType=Desktop> Committee on the elimination of discrimination against women -https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/cedaw/pages/cedawindex.aspx Report on a human-rights based approach to mistreatment and obstetric violence during childbirth - https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Women/SRWomen/Pages/Mistreatment.aspx Dr Rachel Reed - https Head over to The Latch Revolution Podcast to continue the conversations with Katie James and Johanna Sargeant, IBCLCs Click here if you would like to find out more about Decoding The Suck and advance your clinical skills in lactation and suck assessment. Support the show Resources & Support Get Katie’s Milk Supply Confidence Kit — a free resource to help pregnant women, new parents and professionals feel calm, informed, and confident about breastfeeding. 👉 Download here ⭐Leave a Review Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a review and tell your friends! Want More from Katie and Rachel? – Katie’s website – Rachel’s website 🎶 Music by Joseph McDade Disclaimer The information shared in this podcast is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding individual health concerns. The Midwives’ Cauldron podcast does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided and accepts no liability for any loss or harm arising from reliance on this content.