Sortze berri bat

Talking about obstetric violence is not new. This does not mean, however, that it is an accepted thing, neither shared, nor without thorns. Cultural, economic and structural variables build obstetric violence; We are talking about the ill treatment given to the woman or the child by the professionals of the health system during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, and it causes physical and psychological consequences. It fits nicely, therefore, within the patriarchy. Healthcare professionals are often, but not always, concerned with the patient's best interests. Sometimes, they induce childbirth because they want to finish the labor day as soon as possible; or because the delivery room needs to be emptied; or a cesarean is scheduled to have the weekend off. They intervene, knowing that this is not the best for the woman, that they are putting her needs second. Most of the time, they don't notice, they repeat what they have learned: they don't give the woman all the information, or they decide on her behalf. It doesn't always happen, of course, and not everyone behaves the same; but the problem is structural, of the system itself. After a succinct introduction to the concept, Estixu Fernandez has received the testimonies of several women, as sweet as they are sharp, that giving words, voice and body to obstetric violence is not only a cure, but the first step in ending it.