Kathmandu – Despite provisions in the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act ensuring respectful maternity care, a recent study has revealed that pregnant women in Nepal continue to face abuse and violence. This finding comes from a fact-finding study conducted by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD) titled “A Study on Abuse, Violence, and Rights Violations Experienced by Women During Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Postnatal Period in Nepal.”

According to the study presented by FWLD advocate Deepesh Shrestha, more than one-third of women experience violence during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postnatal period. The report indicates that most victims are housewives, and perpetrators include family members, relatives, neighbors, and husbands. Notably, a significant number of service providers were also found to be involved in abusive behavior.

Among different forms of violence—emotional, physical, and sexual—emotional violence was the most prevalent, affecting more than one-third of the women. The study also found that women in urban areas experience higher rates of violence compared to those in rural areas. Pregnant women in Madhesh Province and women in childbirth and postnatal stages in Sudurpashchim Province were found to face particularly high levels of emotional abuse.

FWLD Executive Director advocate Sabin Shrestha stated that the objective of the study was to identify and comprehensively document the nature of abuse, violence, and rights violations faced by women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. The study also aims to contribute to improving laws, policies, plans, and programs to ensure women can enjoy respectful maternity care with dignity.

The study covered a total of 1,680 women, including 560 pregnant women, 560 women in childbirth, and 560 postnatal women from metropolitan cities, sub-metropolitan cities, municipalities, and rural municipalities. According to the presenter, the research was conducted across 28 local units in 14 districts spanning all seven provinces. From each local unit, 60 women were included—20 pregnant, 20 within 42 days postpartum, and 20 within three months postpartum.

The findings show that 38.4% of pregnant women, 37.9% of women in childbirth, and 35.9% of postnatal women experienced violence. Similarly, 30.7% of pregnant women, 32.7% of women in childbirth, and 30% of postnatal women reported emotional violence. Physical violence was reported by 4.5% of pregnant women, 3.2% of women in childbirth, and 4.5% of postnatal women. Sexual violence affected 16.1% of pregnant women, 9.5% of women in childbirth, and 16.4% of postnatal women.

Family members and relatives were identified as the primary perpetrators of violence. The study found that 60% of pregnant women, 64.4% of women in childbirth, and 71% of postnatal women experienced violence from family members or relatives. Husbands were responsible for violence against 52.1% of pregnant women, 44.9% of women in childbirth, and 47.8% of postnatal women. Additionally, service providers were responsible for abuse in 26% of cases involving pregnant women, 22.7% during childbirth, and 13.4% in the postnatal period.

The study areas included Sankhuwasabha and Morang (Koshi Province), Siraha and Dhanusha (Madhesh Province), Kathmandu and Makwanpur (Bagmati Province), Lamjung and Kaski (Gandaki Province), Kapilvastu and Dang (Lumbini Province), Mugu and Surkhet (Karnali Province), and Kailali and Dadeldhura (Sudurpashchim Province).

Prior to conducting the study, approval was obtained from the Nepal Health Research Council. The questionnaire was developed based on the seven principles of respectful maternity care endorsed by the White Ribbon Alliance. The study was carried out by trained personnel.

Section 6(2) of the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act, 2018 mandates that government-designated non-governmental and private health institutions must provide respectful maternity care. However, the findings published by FWLD reveal that a large number of women continue to face abuse and violence during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. During a discussion program facilitated by FWLD advocate Rojina Shrestha, it was highlighted as unfortunate that such abuse and violence are often not recognized as punishable offenses by the state.