“Natural” and/or “Humanized” Childbirth? A Reflection from the Class Perspective

Abstract

The proposal for the “humanization” of childbirth care has gained ground in recent decades in Brazil, mainly in the middle-class urban strata. However, through its incorporation into the public health system, the proposal was also extended to women from the lower classes. This reality has posed some challenges and has raised questions about the format that “humanized” assistance has assumed in public institutions. Based on the analysis of two specific situations experienced by women from different social classes (one receiving care in the public sector and the other in the private sector), the article seeks to reflect on the notions of “natural” childbirth and “humanized” childbirth, pointing out, in each of these contexts, different perceptions of “humanization” and, consequently, considerations on what could be viewed as its opposite: “obstetric violence”.