Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Positive birth experiences are linked to maternal and infant well-being. Being treated poorly, disrespected, and/or abused during birth can have long lasting negative effects on the birthing person's mental health, their care choices, and trust in the health system. Mistreatment during childbirth has been widely reported around the world and is increasingly recognized as a problem in North America, especially among minoritized people. In Canada, there are reports that Indigenous groups and new immigrants have been discriminated against and mistreated during pregnancy and childbirth, but until now there has been no large study of the problem across the country. We also don't know how other factors in addition to identity, such as type of provider, place of birth, or having obstetric interventions during birth influence the experience of care. Over 6000 people in Canada described their childbearing journey in the national RESPCCT survey, including experiences of mistreatment during birth. For the first time, we have ways to understand what forms of mistreatment are most widely reported in Canada and what factors are linked with mistreatment. In my research I will use the data that people shared in the RESPCCT study to understand what types of mistreatment may be common in Canada and identify what factors link to those negative experiences of care. I will then use the information to develop strong tools to measure these types of mistreatment so they can be used to improve quality of care around birth. The overall goal of the study is to improve access to equitable, respectful care around birth for all.