Search Results (2)

Obstetric violence (OV) is a form of gender-based violence (GBV) that arises from the medicalisation of childbirth and the systematic devaluation of women’s bodies during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Recognised as a violation of sexual and reproductive rights, OV reflects historically constructed power relations and highlights the need for public authorities to provide guarantees. In Portugal, OV has historical roots and continues to be an obstacle to the realisation of constitutional principles such as human dignity. Based in an intersectional feminist epistemology and the social constructionist approach, this study was conducted using an exploratory qualitative approach. Ten r7495/2006 acialised Brazilian women were interviewed to examine their experiences of OV during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period in the Portuguese NHS, through the lens of reproductive and sexual rights. The interviews revealed dehumanising and discriminatory treatment, highlighting the lack of respect for these women’s autonomy, dignity, and rights. These experiences of OV during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period affected the participants, leading to trauma and significant negative impacts on their mental, sexual, and reproductive health. This research on OV is crucial to advancing global reproductive justice, as it challenges structural inequalities and places racialised Brazilian women at the heart of the struggle for universal human rights and equality in sexual and reproductive healthcare. Full article

As gender-based violence, obstetric violence is a complex phenomenon that represents a matter for debate worldwide. The main objective of this exploratory study is to understand the experiences of obstetric violence during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period of racialised Brazilian women in the Portuguese National Health System. Using a qualitative case study research approach, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with ten racialised Brazilian women who gave birth in Portugal. A thematic qualitative analysis was used. The findings reveal significant cases of obstetric violence, which include the complexities and lack of support, assistance and monitoring networks, structural inequalities, neglect, and intersectional discriminatory practices based on racial and cultural prejudices, as well as reflection. These experiences not only affect the physical health of mothers but also have profound psychological and emotional consequences. This study highlights the urgent need for culturally sensitive care and the implementation of policies to prevent obstetric violence, ensuring that the rights and dignity of migrant mothers are upheld. By highlighting these critical issues, this study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on maternal health care and promote social justice for these historically marginalised groups. Full article