Childbirth is a unique moment in life and of great importance for all women. Throughout pregnancy, plans are made for how this moment will be and what options exist to make it smoother. It is a mix of fear and anxiety that are natural for all women who are going through this experience. However, such an important moment can become a real nightmare depending on the type of treatment a woman receives. Obstetric violence is a type of violence and abuse suffered by women during pregnancy, at the time of birth, or during the postpartum period. This violence can be either psychological or physical, causing traumatic damage to women and turning such memorable moments as childbirth into something to be forgotten. Unnecessary or forced physical maneuvers, unnecessary use of instruments like forceps, excessive vaginal exams performed by different professionals, forced breaking of the amniotic sac, as well as offensive and humiliating verbal statements are examples of obstetric violence. Studies show that 1 in every 4 pregnant women has already experienced obstetric violence. This is a high number when we consider how many women give birth every day in our country. That is why this is an issue that must indeed be talked about and discussed, as it is an act of dehumanization and violation of rights that leaves lasting marks on women. 
Common Practices in Obstetric Violence
As previously mentioned, obstetric violence is characterized not only by physical violence but also psychological. Therefore, phrases involving name-calling, shouting, blackmail, or even threats aiming to humiliate the condition of the laboring woman are also considered obstetric violence. Some of the most common physical practices within obstetric violence include the unnecessary practice of episiotomy and uterine fundal pressure, also known as the Kristeller maneuver. Episiotomy consists of a cut made in the perineal area to widen the birth canal, causing lacerations in the region. This practice should be used only when justified, but it is known that many professionals make episiotomy a routine practice during all deliveries, causing mutilation of the vagina. 
The Kristeller maneuver is a manual pressure on the woman’s abdomen, pushing it towards the birth canal with the main aim of speeding up the baby’s exit, which can cause serious injuries such as placental abruption or fractures. Both practices are obsolete practices and are no longer recommended by the World Health Organization due to lack of scientific evidence. Even so, some health professionals insist on using them during childbirth, which is a brutal act towards the woman who is there to receive medical care. The FEBRASGO itself – Brazilian Federation of Associations of Gynecology and Obstetrics – states that there is not enough scientific evidence to support the routine use of episiotomy, and that it should not be the first option at birth. Not allowing the presence of the father or another companion is also a type of violence, since all scientific data points to the importance for both the woman and the baby of continuous support during childbirth. Moreover, this is a right guaranteed by law, according to Federal Law No. 11.108, April 7, 2005. There are also professionals who refuse to follow the requests that some women make. There are reports of women who ask for no episiotomy to be performed and, even so, doctors do it without justification. Others clearly state in their birth plan all the procedures and wishes they would like to have or avoid during labor, and some professionals simply do not take these requests into account. Even the UN – United Nations – has issued statements on the subject, emphasizing that all women have the right to receive the highest standard of care, including the right to dignified attention and respect during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the right not to suffer any violence or discrimination.
What Are the Consequences and Impacts?
Obstetric violence is a serious problem that causes drastic effects on a woman’s physical and emotional health. It was only from the 2000s onwards that this topic began to be discussed more in Brazil. Because of this, the National Policy for the Humanization of Childbirth was developed, aiming precisely to transform the reality of childbirth care in our country, constantly improving the quality of care for women in labor. Some women do not even realize that what they experienced was violence, believing this to be the standard treatment all women have to go through, and for that reason, such practices are often not even questioned. Most women report feelings such as frustration, guilt, sadness, inferiority, powerlessness, and revolt towards the professionals who cared for them. Others develop trauma, which can even affect moments such as having sex, for example. Along with this, some studies indicate that women who have experienced any type of violence in health services, whether physical or verbal, have a high risk of developing postpartum depression. That is why, in addition to all the physical consequences and impacts that obstetric violence can cause, there are also emotional scars, the memories of events, and the feelings experienced in those moments. Regardless of whether childbirth takes place in the public health system or privately, every woman must be respected and deserves to receive the best possible care. Humane treatment at such an important moment as childbirth is respect for a right that is more than necessary.
