Coercion during childbirth A population survey and an interview study

Starting situation

Over the past few decades, clinical obstetrics has become a very interventionist discipline, even in so-called low-risk cases. Without reliable data in Switzerland, it is difficult to determine to what extent this development is due to an increase in risk factors, such as the increasing age of women at the time of delivery, or to an increase in the need for control and security felt by women. It is also difficult to determine to what extent the decisions taken go against the wishes of women to give birth under the most natural conditions possible. Several studies in other countries and interviews with Swiss midwives suggest that, in the very dynamic context of hospitals, the autonomy of patients is not always considered a priority.

Research project and objectives

The overall aim is to investigate the frequency and form of informal coercion during childbirth in Switzerland, the factors that contribute to the occurrence of coercion, and the consequences of this experience for the people involved. The online survey on satisfaction with childbirth is now complete. We are now conducting an interview study to gain more insight into individual experiences of informal coercion, in order to better understand how informal coercion can be prevented and what can help people cope with this experience.

Results of the online survey

6,054 women took part in the survey on satisfaction with childbirth throughout Switzerland. The most important results are summarised on the pages in German, English, French and Italian, which can be accessed by clicking on the buttons below.

Project team

Project Manager

• Prof. Dr. Stephan Oelhafen

Project Collaborators

• Stephanie Meyer
• Jacqueline Rusch

Project bearers

• Dr. Settimio Monteverde, BFH Gesundheit
• PD Dr. Dr. Manuel Trachsel, Institut für Biomedizinische Ethik und Medizingeschichte, Universität Zürich
• Prof. Dr. Luigi Raio, Universitätsklinik für Frauenheilkunde, Inselspital Bern
• Prof. Dr. Eva Cignacco Müller, BFH Gesundheit

Support organisations and project partners