Obstetric violence: a hidden dehumanizing practice, exercised by medical care personnel: Is it a public health and human rights problem?

Abstract

Introduction. Our objective was to determine if the behaviors adopted as routine obstetricians could be considered acts of dehumanizing practice in the context of obstetric violence, as a complex problem of public health and human rights. Material and Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional observational study through the application of a survey of 250 pregnant women, where 180 agreed to respond to the questionnaire-survey. Results: 75% know the existence of a law that protects them against any type of violence, 80% did not know the term obstetric violence. In 100% there were no beds for vertical delivery care. In more than 85% invasive procedures were used, without informed consent. 55% of patients reported having suffered some type of abuse by health personnel. 44.4% of the cases perceived a dehumanizing treatment, among the transgressors and / or perpetrators of treatment; nursing staff contributed to up to 75%. 96.1% of the respondents did not know the mechanisms used in the law for their protection or to make the respective complaint. Conclusion: It is still evident that despite the existence of a law where obstetric violence is typified, sanctioned and penalized, obstetric services continue to implement behaviors that are already considered routine obstetrics, which constitute acts of violence that are included as part of gender violence against women. Keywords: Obstetric violence, health personnel, practice, dehumanizing, hidden, problem, public health, human rights.