New survey highlights widespread mistreatment of Indigenous people during childbirth

A new national survey led by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is shedding light on the experiences of Indigenous people during pregnancy and childbirth. The post New survey highlights widespread mistreatment of Indigenous people during childbirth appeared first on CHEK .

A new national survey led by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is shedding light on the experiences of Indigenous people during pregnancy and childbirth, with nearly two-thirds of Indigenous participants reporting they experienced at least one form of mistreatment. The survey is the first national study in Canada to examine respectful maternity care. Researchers gathered responses from 6,096 people across the country, including more than 300 participants who self-identified as Indigenous.

Researchers found many Indigenous participants reported experiences that left them feeling unsafe, disrespected or unsupported while receiving maternity care. Story continues below. Professor of Midwifery at UBC, Dr. Saraswathi Vedam, said while the results are alarming, they reflect concerns Indigenous families have been raising for years.

“I wouldn’t say that I was shocked, although it is shocking,” Vedam said. “Indigenous families and communities and elders have been talking about the inequities in their experience of health care for a long time in Canada.” Researchers say the findings point to ongoing inequities in maternity care and underscore the need for more culturally safe, Indigenous-led approaches.

Vedam said Indigenous participants were significantly more likely to report losing autonomy, being treated without respect and experiencing mistreatment during childbirth. “The loss of autonomy, the loss of respect and especially mistreatment were significantly more for Indigenous families,” she said. “Sixty-three per cent of Indigenous participants experienced at least one form of mistreatment during childbirth.”

Indigenous-led care growing on Vancouver Island While researchers say more work is needed across Canada’s health-care system, Indigenous-led maternity care is becoming more available on Vancouver Island. Since January, a Métis mother has created a community-based space where volunteers from a range of medical fields provide culturally safe childbirth support for Indigenous families at no cost. Health-care infrastructure is also evolving to better meet the needs of Indigenous patients.

The recently opened Esquimalt Nation Health Centre offers expanded health services for the community, while the soon-to-open Quw’utsun Valley Hospital has been designed with Indigenous cultural spaces and the ability for patients to smudge in all 189 patient rooms. UBC adjunct professor and Aboriginal Elder researcher Roberta Price, who helped lead the study, said improving care begins with education and listening to Indigenous experiences. “It is always very, very important... education and understanding of all women’s experiences, but especially the First Peoples of the country, our Indigenous women’s experiences,” Price said.

Researchers hope the findings will help drive changes in maternity care so Indigenous families can give birth in environments where they feel safe, respected and supported. The post New survey highlights widespread mistreatment of Indigenous people during childbirth appeared first on CHEK .