Routine Cesarean Section as a Form of Obstetric Violence: Experiences of Women and Physicians in a Public Hospital in Mexico City

Abstract

Introduction. According to the United Nations (2019), the term obstetric violence refers to the violence suffered by women during childbirth in health centers. It is a specific form of violence that entails a violation of human rights. Objective. This article analyzes the practice of the routine cesarean as a form of obstetric violence, illustrating experiences of women and doctors. Methodology. The study was carried out in a maternity-children’s hospital belonging to the Ministry of Health of Mexico City. The methodology used was qualitative, with the research technique of a semi-structured interview. Results and Discussion. In the hospital object of this study there is an unjustified practice of cesareans that surpass the recommendations issued by the World Health Organization. The biomedical discourse illustrates the existence of a strong biologistic vision and reinforces the belief that childbirth is a pathological, risky and uncontrollable event. The witnesses show a chain of abuses, mistreatments and violence that lead to the systematic violation of the human rights of women. Conclusions. In Mexico, the practice of unjustified cesareans is a naturalized exercise of violence, linked to other forms of abuse. Biomedical care of childbirth is experiencing a moment of profound questioning as the violence that women suffer during childbirth has increased. It is urgent to expose this type of violence and promote health policies that transform, dignify and humanize the public services of childbirth healthcare.