How much autonomy do women actually have when giving birth?

Key points

• Courts have repeatedly declined to override a competent pregnant woman's refusal.
• This year, the Victorian Supreme Court found that Bendigo Health committed battery and negligence after staff refused to admit Larissa Gawthrop in labour unless she agreed to a vaginal examination she had declined.
• Providers must obtain informed consent through ongoing, honest discussions covering the treatment, its risks and alternatives.