French Parliament advances definition of obstetric and gynecological abuse in new law
After a brief debate, the National Assembly approved article 58, beginning to embed obstetric and gynecological violence in French legislation.
In a thirty-minute debate on October 9, the French National Assembly passed article 58 in the first reading of a sweeping bill targeting gender-based violence against women and children. The article introduces a legal definition for obstetric and gynecological abuse, describing it as any sexual or sexist conduct within gynecology, obstetrics or reproductive health services, such as breaches of consent, neglect of patient pain, judgmental comments on sexuality or appearance, and pressure to become a mother.
Advocates, including StopVOG founder Sonia Bisch, praised the inclusion as a landmark achievement, emphasizing that naming the behavior enables legal action. The measure distinguishes these specific medical contexts from broader forms of violence. The bill still requires further parliamentary approval before becoming law.
Why it matters
Defining obstetric and gynecological abuse gives victims legal recourse and signals state commitment to gender-based violence prevention.
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