Women's choice of birth: autonomy or imposition?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5902/2179769290771Keywords:
Women, Parturition, Personal Autonomy, Obstetric Violence, Physician-Patient RelationAbstract
Objective: to find out about women's expectations and experiences in relation to births, in order to determine whether they represent a female choice or a professional imposition. Method: a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study carried out with 14 women from a municipality on the western border of Rio Grande do Sul, between February and June 2022, using semi-structured interviews. The participants were interviewed on two occasions, during pregnancy and after the birth of the baby. The data was subjected to thematic content analysis. Results: Most of the women showed a preference for vaginal delivery. However, it was noted that, after the birth experience, many reported that the choice of birth route was imposed, without their wishes being taken into account. Conclusion: It was found that women do not have decision-making autonomy, nor can they discuss what they consider best for themselves and their babies.
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