Obstetric Violence: inequalities and Vulnerabilities of Being a Racialised Brazilian Woman During Pregnancy in Portugal

Abstract

This article presents issues related to obstetric violence (OV) during pregnancy, which affects women all over the world. This form of gender-based violence results in the subordination of women's access to sexual and reproductive health. OV can be defined as disrespect for women's rights during the pregnancy-puerperium cycle, manifesting itself in various ways, such as omission, neglect, physical and psychological violence, sexual abuse, the use of interventions and medications without scientific proof, and the deprivation of basic needs that generate suffering for women. It is a multifaceted practice, present in health institutions and rooted in power relations, which materialises through the manipulation of women's bodies, disrespectful forms of communication, inadequate provision of services and systematic violations of fundamental rights. This practice is often perpetuated by health professionals who exercise power over pregnant women, reflecting the inequality rooted in a patriarchal, monogamous and sexist society. It is thus an example of oppression and control over women, revealing a regime of domination and exploitation. In Portugal, this reality not only affects national women but also accentuates inequalities, especially among racialised Brazilian women. This topic is still invisibilized in the academic and social environment, and this exploratory qualitative study aims to fill this gap. Based on an intersectional feminist epistemology and the approach of social constructionism, the research examines the experiences of OV during pregnancy of these women in the Portuguese National Health System (NHS). The aim is to understand the reality of obstetric violence and its consequences for women, with attention to the intersections of migration and race that heighten their vulnerability. These women often have no social ties or support, and when they cross borders, they face realities marked by discrimination, which intensifies their vulnerability and makes it difficult for them to express their desires and intuitions in an environment that often makes their bodies invisible. This paper seeks to discuss the interrelationships between gender equality, race, and nationality, gathering information that can contribute to the formulation of health management strategies, especially in the care of migrant women during pregnancy in Portugal.