Obstetric violence. A public health issue

Authors

  • Cristian Martín Vázquez Redactor Enfermeir@s
  • Laura Rosón Matilla Redactora Enfermeir@s

Keywords:

Obstetric violence, Birth, Woman, Pregnancy, Human rights, SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Obstetric violence (OV) has been brought to light among women and professionals, but its real prevalence and the factors associated with it in our healthcare system remain unknown. The WHO has issued several documents warning our country about malpractice in obstetric care. Therefore, it is essential to properly define the term OV and create specific legislation to ensure quality obstetric care.

With the outbreak of the pandemic, we have seen an increase in OV cases. It is everyone’s responsibility to continue informing and educating society and professionals with the aim of ensuring that all women feel respected in their maternity (pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum).

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

CEDAW OMS. Decisión del Comité con arreglo al artículo 69 del reglamento, transmitida al Estado parte el 6 de diciembre de 2018 2021. https://www.elpartoesnuestro.es/sites/default/files/recursos/documents/cedaw-c-75-d-138-2018_spanish.pdf (accessed May 18, 2022).

Lucas DN, Bamber JH. Pandemics and maternal health: the indirect effects of COVID 19. Anaesthesia 2021;76:69–75. https://doi.org/10.1111/anae.15408.

Mena-Tudela D, Iglesias-Casás S, González-Chordá VM, Cervera-Gasch Á, Andreu-Pejó L, Valero-Chilleron MJ. Obstetric violence in Spain (Part I): Women’s perception and interterritorial differences. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020;17. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217726.

Martínez-Galiano JM, Martinez-Vazquez S, Rodríguez-Almagro J, Hernández-Martinez A. The magnitude of the problem of obstetric violence and its associated factors: Across-sectional study. Women and Birth 2021;34:e526–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.WOMBI.2020.10.002.

Mena-Tudela D, Iglesias-Casás S, González-Chordá VM, Valero-Chillerón MJ, Andreu-Pejó L, Cervera-Gasch Á. Obstetric Violence in Spain (Part III): Healthcare Professionals, Times, and Areas. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021;18:3359. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073359.

Viero A, Barbara G, Montisci M, Kustermann K, Cattaneo C. Violence against women in the Covid-19 pandemic: A review of the literature and a call for shared strategies to tackle health and social emergencies. Forensic Science International 2021;319:110650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.

forsciint.2020.110650.

Published

2025-08-30

How to Cite

Martín Vázquez, C., & Rosón Matilla, L. (2025). Obstetric violence. A public health issue. Revista Enfermeir@s, 2(39), 27–29. Retrieved from https://www.enfermerialugo.org/revista/index.php/enfermeiraos/article/view/160