Litigating obstetric violence in South Africa : barriers and opportunities

Abstract

This research identifies the barriers and opportunities regarding public interest litigation with regards to eradicating obstetric violence in South Africa, by examining best practices on interventions promoting respectful maternity care. The result is identified gaps and areas for improvement and fostering a public interest litigation response to obstetric violence in South Africa. The research looks at the challenges and opportunities of litigating obstetric violence in South Africa through a comparative study of jurisprudence from other Global South countries that share similar legal challenges. This examination filters-out lessons for South Africa and the possibilities of applying those lessons in advancing litigation of obstetric violence.