The voice of women: Perceptions of obstetric violence in Southern Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31211/rpics.2025.11.1.369Keywords:
Women's Rights, Parturition, Women's Health, Violence Against Women, Obstetric Violence, Qualitative ResearchAbstract
Background: Obstetric violence is described as the imposition of hospital practices that disregard women’s autonomy during the childbirth process. Objective: To understand women's perceptions of obstetric violence in a municipality in southern Brazil. Method: This is a descriptive, qualitative study conducted between July and September 2024 with 20 women aged 18 years or older, who had given birth within the previous two years and were not in the puerperal period. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed using Happyscribe software, and subjected to content analysis. Results: Three thematic categories emerged: perception of obstetric violence, false perception of non-obstetric violence, and satisfaction with adequate care. Participants’ narratives revealed dehumanizing practices, such as the Kristeller maneuver, pubic hair removal, food restriction, non-consensual interventions, and violations of autonomy during childbirth. Some women did not initially identify these practices as violent, reflecting a cultural normalization of unnecessary interventions. Conclusions: Obstetric violence is perpetuated by the normalization of abusive practices in hospital settings and by the lack of awareness regarding women's rights. Humanizing care is essential to reduce such practices, ensuring autonomy and respect for women's choices during childbirth.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Matheus de Oliveira Sobrinho Ferreira, Ana Carolina Conartioli, Andressa Larissa Dias Müller de Souza, Pamela Eloisa Palma Tasca, Sara Wust Beckmann, Elizandra Aparecida Britta Stefano
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