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ECUADOR
Doménica Bernarda Ledesma Muñoz, Cheryl Martens, Thais Brandão
Nearly twenty years ago, obstetric violence was first documented as a normalized and invisible issue in Latin America. Although Ecuador has enacted a law that recognizes and defines obstetric violence, it has neither been eradicated nor widely acknowledged. This article aims to examine the prevalence of obstetric violence in Ecuador, providing evidence to inform the medical-obstetric field and the development of public health policies addressing this form of violence. Through a qualitative study based on focus groups and semi-structured interviews, six key factors contributing to obstetric violence experienced by patients in the country are identified. Finally, we acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated challenges for both patients and medical personnel in ensuring respect and basic dignified treatment during childbirth. Recognizing and preventing obstetric violence is crucial to safeguarding women's right to dignified access to health care during their reproductive years.
