Obstetric Violence Against Indigenous Women in Latin America

This policy brief explains the general aspects of obstetric violence, which is defined as any action or omission by healthcare personnel in public or private medical institutions during the processes of pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium against birthing people. It can be manifested in eight ways: lack of cultural sensitivity, verbal violence, physical violence, psychological violence, sexual violence, social discrimination, neglect of care, and inappropriate use of procedures and technologies. It also examines one of its causes: the paternalistic model of health care which assigns the doctor the role of a wise and caring father; whereas, it assigns the patient the role of a helpless and ignorant child. This is why medical paternalism situates the clinician in charge of the decision-making process, giving them power over the patient.

In order to highlight the devastating scale of obstetric violence in Latin America, this policy brief reports the experiences of indigenous women affected by obstetric violence in the region, focusing on Peru, Mexico, and Colombia. Aiming to contribute to the fight to end obstetric violence, this document shares the solutions proposed by healthcare professionals who provide maternal care in Peru.

Download the brief here

Issued by the Young Feminist Scholars Program, Politics4Her Written by Mariana Apaza