A violência obstétrica e a responsabilização penal

Abstract

Obstetric violence represents a form of aggression perpetrated against women by health professionals, characterized by disrespect, abuse and mistreatment during pregnancy until postpartum, covering both psychological and physical aspects. This conduct is the result of dehumanized care faced by countless women when seeking medical or surgical care. Given the frequent occurrence of this practice in health institutions, this study aimed to examine the legal repercussions of this crime in the Brazilian legal context. Therefore, the study proposes an analysis of the impacts of obstetric violence in the criminal sphere, using a methodology based on a literature review through analysis of books, scientific articles and legislation related to the topic. The results show that, although there is no specific regulation, Criminal Law has assessments applied to obstetric violence. In this sense, the Brazilian police understood that doctors and medical staff must be held both civilly and criminally responsible for violent acts against pregnant women during their medical care.