The Shameful State of Maternity Care in Serbia

A months-long investigation into childbirth in Serbia has uncovered a disturbing pattern of inhumane treatment and outdated medical practices that leave women feeling traumatized and their dignity shattered. The findings, which include widespread use of procedures not recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlight the need for reform in the country’s maternity care system.

The experiences of these women intersect with broader societal trends in Serbia, including a decline in trust in institutions and a rise in nationalist sentiment over the past decade. This has been accompanied by a growing sense of disillusionment with modernity and progress, as well as a nostalgia for traditional values.

Outdated medical procedures, such as shaving and enemas, which are no longer recommended unless medically indicated, are used to “accelerate birth.” However, this argument ignores the fact that these practices can cause significant pain and discomfort for women. The routine use of oxytocin to induce or accelerate labor, combined with manual fundal pressure and vacuum extraction, raises serious questions about the safety and efficacy of maternity care in Serbia.

The investigation also highlights a disturbing pattern of verbal abuse and humiliation inflicted on women during childbirth. This is not just individual staff behavior but a symptom of a deeper cultural problem that perpetuates patriarchal attitudes towards women’s bodies and experiences. Many medical professionals seem to view labor as an opportunity to assert their authority over the woman, rather than prioritize her comfort and well-being.

The healthcare system in Serbia is under strain, with one third of all births taking place in just four major maternity hospitals in Belgrade and Novi Sad. This has created a situation where patients are funneled into large institutions with inadequate resources and overstretched staff. Smaller facilities across the country struggle to stay afloat.

The persistence of outdated medical assumptions and gender stereotypes underpins many obstetric practices in Serbia. Phrases like “husband stitch” and “little bow for the husband” highlight how women’s bodies are seen as objects to be repaired or restored, rather than respected and valued in their own right.

As the investigation continues, it is clear that there are no easy solutions to this complex problem. However, one thing is certain: meaningful reform will require a fundamental shift in the way maternity care is perceived and delivered in Serbia. This means prioritizing women’s autonomy, dignity, and well-being above all else, and recognizing the need for more comprehensive support systems to address social determinants of health.

For many women who shared their stories with DW, childbirth has left lasting scars. Some report struggling with anxiety or depression years after giving birth, while others speak about feeling ashamed or guilty about their bodies. The fact that these women’s voices are often dismissed by medical professionals is a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play.

The persistence of outdated medical practices and verbal abuse highlights a deeper cultural problem that perpetuates patriarchal attitudes towards women’s bodies and experiences. This is not just individual staff behavior but a symptom of systemic problems that require more than policy reforms or institutional overhauls to address.

To address this crisis in maternity care, patient-centered care must be prioritized, empowering women to make informed decisions about their own health. This means providing comprehensive information and support systems, as well as training medical professionals on respectful communication and sensitive care practices.

In the end, the story of childbirth in Serbia is not just a tale of individual trauma or systemic failure but also a reflection of broader societal trends and power dynamics. It is a reminder that true change requires more than just policy reforms – it demands a fundamental shift in the way we value and respect women’s bodies and experiences.

As one brave woman who spoke out about her experience said, “I’ve never shown anyone my first photo with my baby because in that picture, I look half dead.”