Obstetric violence: a Latin American legal response to mistreatment during childbirth

WILLIAMS, C.R.; JEREZ, C.; KLEIN, K.; CORREA, M.; BELIZÁN, J.M.; CORMICK, G.

BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Año: 2018 vol. 125 p. 1208 - 1211

1470-0328

Over the last several years, a new legal construct has emerged in Latin America that encompasses elements of quality of obstetric care and mistreatment of women during childbirth ? both issues of global maternal health import.1-3 Termed ?obstetric violence?, this legal construct refers to disrespectful and abusive treatment that women may experience from healthcare providers during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period,4, 5 as well as other elements of poor quality care, such as failure to adhere to evidence‐based best practices.6 This new legal term emerged out of concerted efforts by women's groups and networks, feminists, professional organisations, international and regional bodies, and public health agents and researchers to improve the quality of care that women receive across the region.7, 8 In Latin America, the intense scrutiny these groups brought to mistreatment of women during pregnancy and childbirth resulted in the development of a legal framework addressing it ? one which specifically locates ?obstetric violence? at the nexus of gender‐based violence and clinical malpractice, and interweaves elements of both respectful treatment and quality care.