OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE IN ANGOLA: A SERIOUS VIOLATION OF WOMEN’S HUMAN RIGHTS IN HEALTH SERVICES –CASE STUDY IN THE CITY OF NDALATANDO

Abstract

Introduction: Obstetric violence is a major silent and silenced violation of human rights, affecting women’s sexual and reproductive health worldwide. This issue is discussed in this research by portraying the Angolan context, where inhumane practices in health services during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period by healthcare professionals have been common. Therefore, the study sought to understand how obstetric violence impacts the dignity, autonomy, and human rights of Angolan women, on the one hand, and, on the other, the National Health System (NHS). Methods applied to the research: A qualitative methodology with an exploratory-descriptive approach was used for this study, relying on semi-structured interviews with women and bibliographic research, which consisted of reviewing existing literature on the topic under study. Research results: The results indicate that obstetric violence manifests through practices such as verbal and physical assaults, psychological abuse, inadequate medical follow-up, lack of communication and of free and informed consent in decision-making about any medical procedures performed on women’s bodies, and the denial of companions during childbirth. These practices are often naturalized/normalized and institutionalized in health services. Discussion: The discussion emphasizes the need to reverse this situation through public policies that ensure truly humanized and respectful treatment for women, suggesting that the culture of impunity in institutions must be challenged so that healthcare professionals who commit violence in hospitals are held accountable. Conclusion: It was concluded that obstetric violence is a global public health problem and an alarming reality in Angola that demands immediate attention. Promoting a culture of respect and dignity in health services through the training of professionals, as well as fostering debate about women’s multiple rights within institutions, is crucial to ensure that human rights including women’s rights to health, sexuality, reproduction, equality, and opportunity are truly respected and protected.