Disrespect and abuse during childbirth undermine women’s rights and the quality of maternal care, especially in underserved communities. This mixed-methods study assessed the prevalence, experiences, and socio-demographic associations of mistreatment during childbirth among 379 postnatal mothers in selected urban slums of Udaipur, Rajasthan. An explanatory sequential design was used. Quantitative data were collected through structured interviews covering physical abuse, verbal abuse, discrimination, lack of dignified care, and communication barriers, followed by qualitative in-depth interviews with 16 mothers to explore lived experiences. Chi-square analysis examined associations with socio-demographic variables. Results showed a high prevalence of mistreatment. Rough handling (39.1%), poor communication (37.7%), lack of informed consent (27.7%), neglect (26.1%), and lack of privacy (25.6%) were commonly reported. Verbal abuse (13.5%) and discriminatory practices based on caste, age, and disability were also observed. Maternal age and age of the last child were significantly associated with abuse experiences. Qualitative findings revealed emotional distress, humiliation, systemic neglect, and denial of family support. The study highlights the urgent need for implementing Respectful Maternity Care policies, provider training, and systemic reforms to ensure dignified and rights-based childbirth care.

Vikas Kushwaha completed his M.Sc. Nursing from GCON, MBGH Udaipur, India. He is currently working as lecturer in Geetanjali College of Nursing, Udaipur. He has over 10 publications. He is committed to advancing nursing research, promoting ethical and dignified healthcare practices, and building capacity among nursing students and professionals. Through his academic leadership and research contributions, he strives to support the implementation of respectful, equitable, and rights-based maternal healthcare services.