MASIC has highlighted its advocacy, support, and systemic change for women living with severe childbirth injuries, particularly obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI). According to reporting by Leigh Day, the charity has transformed the landscape for women who sustain severe third- and fourth-degree perineal tears during childbirth, addressing both physical trauma and the often-overlooked psychological and long-term consequences of birth injuries.
The Impact of OASI and the OASI Care Bundle
Obstetric anal sphincter injuries cause severe physical and psychological harm, impacting women throughout their lives, including through the complexities of menopause, as highlighted in MASIC events noted by Leigh Day. In response to rising OASI rates and inconsistencies in clinical practice, a multidisciplinary collaboration involving clinicians, professional bodies, and women’s groups developed the OASI Care Bundle. According to Leigh Day, the national roll-out of this program aims to reduce severe perineal tears and improve maternal outcomes by promoting evidence-based measures. These measures include antenatal information, manual perineal protection during birth, appropriate use of episiotomy, and careful postnatal examination.
The Human and Financial Costs of Birth Trauma
Severe perineal trauma carries substantial financial costs alongside immeasurable human tolls. According to research and surveys cited by Leigh Day, undiagnosed or poorly repaired third- and fourth-degree tears frequently require extensive medical treatment, physiotherapy, psychological support, colorectal interventions, and subsequent surgery. Beyond healthcare expenditure, these injuries affect relationships, parenting, and mental health. Women frequently report difficulties bonding with babies, loss of confidence, depression, isolation, and strain on intimate relationships, sometimes leading them to decide against having further children.
Legal Advocacy and Systemic Maternity Care Improvements
Over the past decade, Leigh Day has represented hundreds of women affected by birth negligence, dealing with missed diagnoses of third- and fourth-degree tears, inadequate repairs, delayed specialist referrals, and failures to recognize symptoms or inform patients of risks. According to Leigh Day, Sanja Strkljevic, a partner in their medical negligence team, has worked closely with MASIC to connect women with vital support regardless of potential legal claims. While financial compensation funds treatment, rehabilitation, and security, litigation also exposes systemic failings and drives necessary improvements in maternity care.
Shared Experiences and Breaking the Silence
The conversation around birth trauma extends into personal narratives that challenge societal stigma. Writer Luce described her difficult birth experience as leaving her “thunderstruck, confused, sad, broken,” noting that the resulting trauma involved continence issues and depression. By publishing a book detailing the realities of her birth injury, she joined organizations like MASIC in breaking the silence surrounding non-picture-perfect births, providing a platform where women can process their experiences and recognize they are not alone.
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