<i>“Giving Birth Is Like Going to War”:</i> Women's Experiences with Labor and Delivery in Public Maternity Centers in Niger

This article qualitatively explores women's experiences of violence in public maternity care in Niger to identify drivers, facilitators, manifestations, and consequences of the maltreatment of women during labor and delivery. The 58 participating mothers shared experiences that included physical abuse (slapping), verbal abuse (insults), psychological abuse (mockery), discrimination (social status/economic status), financial coercion (demanding money prior to care), and harmful birthing practices (forcing the baby out with elbows). Sociocultural aspects driving maltreatment of women included beliefs about expression of pain during labor and delivery, while social connections and the presence of the physician during delivery were protective factors.