How 2 Women Are Working to Make Sure There Are No Future Victims of Obstetric Violence

“Imagine if the maternity care system in our country actually treated all women, regardless of age, race, ability, lifestyle choices, appearance or financial status, with respect and dignity. . . . What if care providers validated our emotions and feelings during one of the vulnerable times in our lives? What different stories we would have to tell? At the age of 19 and without a partner by my side, I didn’t have the strength or knowledge to know I had choices. . . . Eight years later, I still do not feel like I consented at all — and to this day, the negative, traumatic effects linger.” — Laney, Denver