Addressing Obstetric Violence: A Critical Analysis of the Delivery Room as a Vulnerable Space for Women

Abstract

Aim: Many women are affected by gender violence, becoming a problem and constituting a clear violation of their fundamental rights. Since 1996, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized this issue as an important public health issue, with significant implications for society. Material and method: The purpose of this research is to identify and analyze the type of abuse that occurs in health centers that have a delivery room. To carry out this study, a documentary approach methodology has been used, using both primary and secondary sources as a sample to collect relevant information. The results obtained reveal that it is common for women to experience psychological abuse by health personnel during the delivery process. Statistics and Result: This mistreatment materializes in offensive and discriminatory words, which are often linked to characteristics such as age, economic or academic level, race or any pre-existing health condition of the woman. These attitudes and behaviors on the part of health personnel are unacceptable since they go against medical ethics and the principles of respect and dignity towards patients.