Indigenous maternity mistreatment study

A national study led by the University of British Columbia found that nearly two-thirds of Indigenous participants reported mistreatment during childbirth, and nearly three-quarters reported disrespect. The RESPCCT survey, published in Frontiers Media, documented experiences of 6,096 people across Canada, including 309 Indigenous respondents. Lead author Wanda Phillips-Beck and senior author Saraswathi Vedam highlighted systemic racism and violations of Indigenous rights. The study identified factors such as midwifery care associated with lower mistreatment rates. Advocates and Indigenous midwifery organizations called for expanded Indigenous-led care and investment in Indigenous midwives.