Obstetric violence: historical aspects

Abstract

From ancient times to the present day, pregnancy and childbirth are one and the
same biological process. What has changed is the environment and the way our
society has cared for them. Modern medicine and technology have prevented many
complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period and saved many
lives, but the woman-centered approach has been neglected. It is not a matter of
going totally back to the past and leaving modern childbirth care aside to avoid the
misnamed 'obstetric violence'. Rather, it is about incorporating what was valuable in
past care, such as the involvement of the family, of the couple. But also, the respect
of ethical principles, the quality of care for a safe delivery, as well as the rights of
the pregnant woman so that obstetric care is a modern and humanized care, as all
women deserve.