Obstetric Gaslighting and Medical Negligence: Voices of Trauma and Injustice
- Marlie Willer
- Oct 23, 2023
- 2 min read
A 2022 article published in The Journal of Social Science & Medicine revealed the distressing narratives of mothers who underwent traumatic childbirth experiences. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews, giving voice to 46 mothers who shared their stories. An alarming discovery emerged from these interviews: 38 out of the 46 mothers identified instances of obstetric gaslighting during their care.
Gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation, aims to make victims doubt their own perceptions, emotions, and even sanity. In the context of childbirth, obstetric gaslighting involves denying mothers' humanity, feelings, knowledge, and judgment during prenatal and postpartum care, as well as during the birthing process itself. This horrific behavior can lead to not only physical harm but also profound emotional trauma, leaving mothers questioning their own experiences and feelings.
One podcast series that stands as a stark example of gaslighting is "The Retrievals," which delves into the shocking stories of 12 women who fell victim to the Yale Fertility Clinic scandal. These women sought fertility treatments at the clinic, hoping to fulfill their dreams of motherhood. However, these women were given saline rather than fentanyl during their egg retrieval process resulting in excruciating pain.
During these procedures, the women repeatedly expressed intense pain, telling doctors and nurses that they could feel everything and were in excruciating agony. Astonishingly, their pleas for help were met with dismissal and alternative explanations, rather than immediate action to address their distress. The clinic failed to conduct an internal investigation, leaving these women to suffer needlessly. The pain these women endured was not only physical but also emotional.
When I listened to The Retrievals podcast I saw so much overlap with my own clients. Mothers who have experienced traumatic childbirth deserve empathy, respect, and proper care throughout their journey. Similarly, patients seeking fertility treatments must be treated with the utmost sensitivity and responsiveness to their concerns.
As advocates for justice and change, it is crucial for birth injury lawyers, medical professionals, and society at large to amplify these voices, promote accountability, and work collectively to ensure that no individual has to endure such trauma and mistreatment. By shedding light on these issues, we can contribute to a safer and more compassionate healthcare system for all.
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