13/05/2026
🚨🚨🚨 In a landmark case, an Australian woman is awareded $275,000 in negligence case after she was coerced into an exam during labor.
The woman's birth plan stated she only consented to exams as medically necessary. However, when she arrived at triage in labor, she was refused admission, care, and any pain management unless she consented to an exam.
Many people experience medical coercion and it's an uncomfortable and often traumatic experience. However, when one is IN labor, navigating one of the most vulnerable experiences of their lives, the lack of autonomy and control makes forced exams potentially life altering.
The supreme court of Victoria, ruled the forced exam to be battery, assault, and medical negligence. By not providing care unless a one allows an exam is coercion by withholding care.
This landmark case has the potential to change maternity care, something many can't wait to see happen.
Everyone deserves informed CONSENT, autonomy, and rights - being in labor does not negate the right to consent and autonomy.
Do you think this case will impact maternity care in AUS? Does it have the potential to impact maternity care globally?
Consent always matters, labor or not.
