Obstetric violence: a Latin American legal response to mistreatment during childbirth

Over the last several years, a new legal construct has emerged in Latin America that encompasses elements of quality of obstetric care and mistreatment of women during childbirth - both issues of global maternal health import. Termed "obstetric violence," this legal construct refers to disrespectful and abusive treatment that women may experience from health care providers during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, as well as other elements of poor quality care, such as failure to adhere to evidence-based best practices. This new legal term emerged out of concerted efforts by women's groups and networks, feminists, professional organizations, international and regional bodies, and public health agents and researchers to improve the quality of care that women receive across the region. Fil: Williams, Caitlin R.. University of North Carolina; Estados Unidos Fil: Jerez, Celeste. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Filosofía y Letras. Instituto Interdisciplinario de Estudios de Género; Argentina Fil: Klein, Karen. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria; Argentina Fil: Correa, Malena. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria; Argentina Fil: Belizan, Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria; Argentina Fil: Cormick, Gabriela. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. University of Cape Town; Sudáfrica