Exploration of obstetric violence against women: an application of discourse analysis in the case of Vietnam

This article explores the phenomenon of obstetric violence against women in Vietnam through the lens of feminist legal theory, combining critical legal analysis with discourse analysis of digital narratives. Although obstetric violence has gained international recognition, it remains largely unacknowledged in Vietnam’s legal and medical frameworks. To address this gap, the authors analyze online reviews and testimonies from pregnant women and their families, particularly those concerning experiences at major public maternity hospitals, to uncover recurring patterns that constrain women’s autonomy. Examined through the framework of feminist legal theory, these narratives expose systemic flaws in medical practices that fail to respect and protect Vietnamese women’s reproductive rights. The findings lay the groundwork for future empirical research and legal reform, advocating for the formal recognition of the term obstetric violence and its prohibition within Vietnam’s reproductive healthcare regulations.