Obstetric violence: impacts on women’s physical and mental health and challenges for humanized childbirth

Abstract

Obstetric violence is a form of institutional violence that occurs during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, compromising women’s dignity and their physical and emotional integrity. This study aims to analyze the impacts of obstetric violence on women’s physical and mental health, as well as to discuss the challenges involved in promoting humanized childbirth care. The research is characterized as a qualitative bibliographic review, based on scientific articles, books, and official documents published between 2010 and 2024. The findings reveal that obstetric violence remains a reality in different hospital settings, reflecting authoritarian and disrespectful practices often normalized within the healthcare system. Its consequences may lead to psychological trauma, postpartum depression, and fear of future pregnancies. It is concluded that addressing this issue requires effective public policies, ethical and humanized training of healthcare professionals, and increased social awareness of women’s rights. In this context, the humanization of childbirth is essential to promote comprehensive, respectful, and autonomy-based care.