Obstetric Violence in Maternal Birth Narratives: A Sociological Interpretation of Obstetric Violence

Abstract

This study examines obstetric violence in Hungary, with particular attention to the subjective experience of childbirth and its long-term consequences. It presents the concept of the phenomenon, its different forms, and its legal aspects. It points to the hierarchical structure of the obstetric care system and the over-medicalisation of the birth process, which contribute to the emergence of obstetric violence. The research explores the problem and the structural deficiencies of the care system through maternal birth experience reports and expert interviews. The study is a shortened version of the author’s paper presented at the 37^th National Student Research Conference.