“Mix of Races, Bad Uterus”: Obstetric Violence in the Experiences of Afro-Brazilian Migrants in Portugal

Abstract

In this article, I address the issues of obstetric violence and racism in the Portuguese setting of obstetric care. Based on data collected through interviews and participatory artistic creation, I analyze the perception of three Afro-Brazilian migrants about their perinatal experiences of obstetric care in the Portuguese public sector between 2013 and 2019. These women’s experiences have much in common with experiences of obstetric violence as narrated by Portuguese, non-racialized women. Despite this, certain aspects of their experience are related to their particular identification as Brazilian, migrant, and Black, such as xenophobic discrimination and their placement in systems of stratified reproduction, including a supposed tendency for birth by caesarean section, as well as self-policing behaviors because of the stereotype of Brazilian women as flirty. I consider a range of manifestations of obstetric violence and racism, from more overt forms to more covert ones, to analyze how, in a country where racism and obstetric violence are only slowly beginning to be recognized as the norm, multiple discriminations intersect and have an impact on the experiences of women of their bodies in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, including breastfeeding.

Percepción de estudiantes de ciencias de la salud sobre la violencia obstétrica

“…Por añadidura, parece preciso subrayar que cuando se habla de violencia obstétrica no se hace referencia únicamente al parto ni a las/los profesionales que atienden directamente el embarazo, parto, alumbramiento, y puerperio sino también a todos los ámbitos y sectores que están implicados en dicho proceso, extendiéndose, por ejemplo, a los equipos de anestesia, pediatría, alumnado en práctica, residentes, personal administrativo, y de limpieza, puesto que se trata de un tipo de violencia estructural e institucional 27 . La violencia en el lugar de trabajo es un problema ocupacional importante también para los profesionales y tiene un impacto significativo en su bienestar físico y psicológico 28 . Por ello, en el momento en el que se comprende la complejidad y las numerosas implicaciones a nivel institucional y cultural de la violencia obstétrica, aparece la necesidad de asumir responsabilidades colectivas y formarse para mejorar la atención al nacimiento.…”

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“…Barata [18], in her very beautifully written and very interesting manuscript, addresses the issues of obstetric violence and racism in the Portuguese setting of obstetric care. Her research used qualitative methods and interviews with three Afro-Brazilian migrants about their perinatal experiences of obstetric care in the Portuguese public sector, between 2013 and 2019.…”

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“…For example, a qualitative study of Brazilian women living in Portugal found that most participants suffered discrimination for being Brazilians in their workplaces (de Diego-Cordero et al, 2022). In another example, a qualitative study interviewed Brazilian women in 2019 and again in 2021 about their experiences with obstetric care in Portugal (Barata, 2022). This study found that the intersection between race and class has added challenges to these Brazilian women's experiences in Portugal.…”

“…Recent research in Aotearoa New Zealand reported that racism experiences are prevalent among some groups, including people from MELAA ethnicity, in which Brazilians are included (Simon-Kumar et al, 2022) (Barata, 2022;de Diego-Cordero et al, 2022). For example, a qualitative study of Brazilian women living in Portugal found that most participants suffered discrimination for being Brazilians in their workplaces (de Diego-Cordero et al, 2022).…”

“…This study found that the intersection between race and class has added challenges to these Brazilian women's experiences in Portugal. Being a black Brazilian woman was highly related to their racist experiences when seeking perinatal care (Barata, 2022). Consequently, it is crucial that the Aotearoa New Zealand government and agencies have clear anti-racism procedures in place and support for people who suffer discrimination and racism.…”