Obstetric violence as a form of violation of women's fundamental rights

Abstract

This work aims to analyze obstetric violence from a legal point of view, classifying acts that undermine physical and psychological integrity as forms of violation of the fundamental rights of women and the principle of human dignity, the theoretical framework of this study. The research method used was the literature review of books, magazines, periodicals and others related to the proposed theme. Obstetric violence is a form of violation that can occur during pregnancy, childbirth or the puerperium, through the practice of acts by health professionals that characterize offense to their physical, psychological or sexual integrity, causing them some suffering or trauma. For a long time, the task of assisting births was attributed to midwives and women in the family. Later, the evolution of Obstetrics and Medicine made childbirth a medical event, however, in return, it collaborated for the dehumanization of childbirth. In Brazil, there is still no specific law that deals with obstetric violence and the acts practiced by health professionals are framed in the positive conduct in criminal, civil and administrative legislation.