Peaceful protest to say NO to the violence against birthing women in Bulgarian hospitals.

The rights of the birthing woman as a patient have long been ignored in our hospitals by the medical personnel.

The specific reason for the current protest is the childbirth experience of a woman in „St. Sofia“ Hospital (previously Tina Kirkova). After her legal refusal to sign the informed consent as presented the attitude of the staff towards her quickly became rude, threatening and coersive. Later on she was physically handled and restrained in the lithomy position against her will and stitched without anaesthetic „as punishment“. Each of this actions in direct violation of her rights as a patient and her fundamental human rights.

Unfortunately this case is not an isolated one and the disrespectful treatment towards women while they give birth has become a common practice and even accepted as the norm in our society.

25th of November, as the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women is a perfect day for this peaceful protest. It is inexcusable and criminal, while the woman is so vulnerable in the process of giving birth, such psychological and physical violence to be excerted over her.

If you have suffered such treatment or if you just feel compassionate and supportive of the cause, join us on the 25th of November, from 10am, at the main entry of „St. Sofia“.