Kathmandu: Members of the House of Representatives have said there should be no further delay in legally classifying violence occurring during childbirth as a criminal offense.

They made the remarks at a discussion program on “The Need for Laws to Ensure Respectful Maternity Care and Address Obstetric Violence,” organized by the Women, Law and Development Forum (FWLD) on Monday with members of the House of Representatives.

FWLD Advocate Dipesh Shrestha made a presentation on what constitutes respectful maternity care, its various dimensions, and ways to reduce obstetric violence.

According to Advocate Shrestha, maternity care can only be considered respectful when women receive care free from postpartum mistreatment and coercion, and when the care is respectful, sensitive, and provided with adequate information and consent. The program also highlighted the importance of the eight principles of respectful maternity care developed by the White Ribbon Alliance.

Advocate Shrestha also presented the current situation of respectful maternity care in Nepal and findings from research conducted so far. He said that Nepal has an obligation under international treaties and agreements to enact laws addressing the issue.

Analyzing existing laws and practices, Shrestha emphasized the need to classify obstetric violence as a criminal offense, amend Section 6(2) of the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act, 2018, establish provisions for compensation, and ensure that maternity services are provided without discrimination.

Artists from the Brajapani Art Theatre Group also presented a drama based on the issue. The performance portrayed incidents and experiences faced by women in Nepali society during pregnancy and childbirth.

Lawmakers also shared their views on respectful maternity care and the need for legal and social reforms.

Sushila Dhakal Acharya emphasized that relationships between husbands and wives should be based on intimacy and mutual understanding.

Similarly, Balawati Sharma stressed the need to formulate laws to reduce violence against women during childbirth. She also emphasized the need to reduce domestic violence and raise awareness among doctors and nurses about obstetric violence.

Lalita Kumari warned against making statements that could demean or insult doctors and nurses. She said that statements that undermine the dignity of medical professionals involved in treatment would not benefit anyone.

Radhika Ramtel said that the situation of obstetric violence in Kalikot had been alarming some time ago. She said that in remote areas of Karnali, the behavior of healthcare providers had made the idea of respectful maternity care seem almost impossible.

Prabha Karki suggested that women should prioritize their own health. She said that giving greater priority to one’s health and well-being could also contribute to reducing violence.

Achyutam Lamichhane emphasized the need to raise awareness among women about their rights, responsibilities, and education. He said greater awareness of their rights and responsibilities could help reduce violence against women.

Eliza Gurung, a lawmaker from Gorkha, emphasized the importance of educating girls. She said it had become necessary to formulate laws to prevent negligence by medical professionals.

Lawmaker Guru Baral said respectful maternity care could be strengthened through increased civic awareness, development of a civilized society, timely reform of laws, transformation in the healthcare sector, and fundamental improvements in social awareness.

Parbati BK said Nepal’s family structure itself has serious shortcomings and emphasized the importance of education to address them.

Similarly, Srijana Shrestha stressed the need for women to empower themselves. “Law is the second priority,” she said, adding that improving education and public awareness would help Nepali society move in a new direction.

Lawmakers Ganga Shrestha, Yashoda Baral, and Ratna Kumari Thapa, among others, emphasized that the state should play a proactive and supportive role in ensuring respectful and safe motherhood. They stressed that, alongside lawmaking, the value of women’s labor and increased public awareness were equally important.

Lawmaker Hari Bhushal said that although society has changed, the progress has not been sufficient and there has been inadequate improvement in the behavior of hospitals. He said such discussions were particularly useful while legislation on the issue is being drafted.

Referring to the case of Babita Paswan from Saptari, lawmaker Ambika Devi Sangraula said everyone should learn from such incidents and remain vigilant to prevent their recurrence.

Ranju Darshana shared her own experience, saying that family support alone is not sufficient to ensure respectful maternity care. She emphasized that women’s mental health and the condition and support of their husbands also need equal attention.

The program was moderated by Advocate Didiksha Singh and concluded under the chairpersonship of Senior Advocate Geeta Aryal, President of the Women, Law and Development Forum (FWLD).