Obstetric Violence

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Obstetric violence is a topic of great relevance in the context of the Obstetric Nursing course, and it is important that professionals in this area have a broad knowledge of the subject, from basic to advanced. Obstetric violence is a violation of women's human and reproductive rights, and can occur at any stage of the pregnancy-puerperal cycle, from prenatal to postpartum.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obstetric violence is defined as "the act of disrespect and abuse during childbirth care in health facilities". This violence can manifest itself in many ways, including inhumane and degrading treatment, verbal, physical and sexual abuse, medical procedures performed without the woman's informed consent, neglect and refusal to provide pain relief.

Obstetric violence is a form of gender-based violence that is structurally rooted in power inequalities between men and women. It is perpetuated by cultural and social norms that devalue women and their childbirth experiences, and it is reinforced by health systems that do not prioritize the respect and dignity of women during childbirth care.

It is important for midwifery professionals to be aware of the different types of obstetric violence and to be able to identify the signs of abuse. This includes physical violence, which may involve carrying out painful medical procedures without the woman's consent, and verbal violence, which may include insults, threats or humiliation. Psychological violence can involve manipulating information or denying a woman's right to make decisions about her own body and health.

The Obstetric Nursing course should provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and combat obstetric violence. This includes education about women's rights during pregnancy and childbirth, the importance of informed consent, and effective communication techniques to ensure women feel heard and respected during childbirth care.

In addition, it is crucial that midwives are trained in humanized delivery techniques, which prioritize respect and dignity of women. This includes promoting non-restrictive birthing positions, supporting childbirth without unnecessary interventions, and promoting skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding immediately after birth.

In conclusion, obstetric violence is a serious public health and human rights problem that needs to be comprehensively addressed in the Obstetric Nursing course. It is essential that future midwives are educated on this issue and equipped with the necessary tools to prevent and combat this form of violence. Only through education and informed practice can we expect to see a reduction in the prevalence of obstetric violence and an improvement in the quality of childbirth care.

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26Legal and Ethical Aspects in Obstetric Nursing