Obstetric Violence in Women Assisted by Spontaneous Abortion in Guadalajara, Mexico: Expressions of Institutional Violence and Medical Authoritarianism

Abstract

Objectives

This paper analyzes experiences of obstetric violence that occurred during a spontaneous abortion of women living in Guadalajara, Mexico. Then, it interprets how these experiences affect the choice of the types of birth in the current pregnancies of these women.

Method

The research was carried out with a qualitative methodology through a biographical-narrative design. The data collection consisted in recovering life stories and conducting in-depth interviews with 4 women residents in Guadalajara who had previously experienced a spontaneous abortion. The ages of the women ranged between 20 and 28 years. All the participants have in common that in their first abortion they experienced some sort of obstetric violence.

Results

Among the findings, it must be pointed out that some manifestations of obstetric violence are the result of: failed diagnoses that led to unnecessary operations that, in some cases, caused the death of the fetus or put the mother's health at risk; lack of sensitivity and empathy for the emotions expressed by women after abortion; tactile tests made by different doctors.

Conclusions

Based on the results, it can be concluded that the experience of previous obstetric violence has led these women to plan their current pregnancy using private health services.