The Baby Steps Association submitted an initiative to the BiH Parliament demanding an immediate ban on obstetric violence, as well as concrete improvement of conditions in all hospitals and maternity wards in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

They noted that new mothers testify that medical personnel not only take money, but also delay the provision of health services until they receive the money, which causes pain, suffering and health consequences, and sometimes even openly threatens the lives of the mother and the baby.

They argue that such behaviour must be prosecuted and that a clear message must be sent: maternity wards are safe places for mothers and babies.

They emphasized the importance of urgent action regarding the key issue requiring attention, the protection of women in labor and the fight against violence against women during childbirth.

This appeal becomes even more relevant, the association said, given the recent approval for the start of negotiations on accession to the European Union.

“Our maternity hospitals are far from EU standards, and work on that must start immediately because, without those who stay and give birth in this country, there is no progress in any field,” they pointed out.

In addition to the protection of women in labor, they also seek to improve the conditions in maternity wards, by enabling an escort of the woman's choice during the entire birth.