Dignidade do parir: descrição metodológica da construção de uma cartilha para o combate à violência obstétrica

Abstract

Obstetric Violence is characterized by the breakdown of care, omission, or any disrespectful and abusive action against a woman in labor during the monitoring of her pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum period, and in specific situations of abortion that violate the dignity of women. It excludes from the pregnant woman her fundamental rights, including autonomy, physical and mental integrity, and the right to dignified treatment. The development of the informational booklet on obstetric violence in Brazil aimed to promote awareness regarding the prevention and defense of pregnant women’s rights, contributing to the humanization of childbirth care and the confrontation of disrespectful practices in the obstetric context. Based on the researcher’s experience with women who were subjected to this form of violence, the need arose to produce informative material about the extensions of obstetric violence for the prevention and support of cases. This is a qualitative and systematic work, in which a reflection on the experience with obstetric violence was carried out, followed by the identification of recurring thematic axes, along with the study of the theoretical framework that supports the phenomenon, and finally the transfer of content to the booklet. With personal experience and the study of this violence, the following topics were defined for foundation: (1) Definition of Obstetric Violence; (2) Data on Obstetric Violence; (3) The medicalization of childbirth and the biopower over pregnancy; and (4) Legislation that protects pregnant women. After the detailed description of the subject, the informational material was submitted to a recontextualization so that it would fit within accessible language in the format of a booklet to discuss and exemplify frequent issues concerning the problem. The exposure and communication of the booklet were prioritized in a clear and brief manner, without losing the purpose of its content, so that any reader could understand the information presented. It was concluded that support and public policies for reporting and preventing Obstetric Violence are still insufficient for the protection of women in labor; however, this effort represents a field of potential growth and advancement for the reproductive dignity of women, with the produced booklet representing the movement towards their protection.