Navigating the world of healthcare, particularly obstetrics and gynecology, can be overwhelming. It’s a journey that intertwines some of the most personal and vulnerable moments of a person’s life. At the heart of this journey lies a crucial concept: consent.
If you are active on the birth side of social media, you have likely seen the viral video going around titled, “Violation of Consent”. In case you have not seen it, it’s a short clip of a fresh baby laid on their parents stomach. The baby appears reactive and making noises. Instantly, you can see multiple nurses’ arms reach into view and vigorously rub the baby. The parent’s face looks quite shocked. The parent pleads, “Can you just stop for a second?”.
One of the nurses responds, “No, we need to stimulate her, we need to get her crying and mad!”
Visiting an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) or midwife is an essential part of maintaining your reproductive and overall health. During these visits, you will often encounter the concept of informed consent. Understanding what informed consent means and how to navigate it can empower you to make informed decisions about your healthcare. In this blog post, we will delve into the crucial topic of informed consent, its significance, and how it can help you take control of your healthcare during OB-GYN visits.