A Obstetric violence, emotions and collective actions: experiences of members of the Cegonha Network Forum: experiências de integrantes do Fórum da Rede Cegonha

Abstract

This work aims to analyze the emotions underlying the experiences of obstetric violence lived by the members of the Cegonha Network Forum, in the Porto Seguro region, in Brazil. The research takes a psychosocial perspective of emotions to understand the subjective

consequences of obstetric violence. The qualitative case study was the guiding methodological strategy. The information production instruments articulated a documentary analysis of minutes and videos of the meetings of the Cegonha Network Forum and interviews with five women who participate in it and who suffered obstetric violence. Obstetric violence is characterized by various forms of disrespect that harm the personal integrity of pregnant and/or postpartum women, causing negative emotions such as sadness, fear, frustration, revolt, among others. Such experiences can leave traumatic consequences, but they also provide the motivational basis for engaging in collective actions to fight obstetric violence. Finally, it is pointed out that participation in social movements favors the resignification of these emotions.