A debate was initiated following a June submission of a bill by CDS-PP suggesting the repeal of legislation approved in March, stemming from proposals by the Bloco de Esquerda and PAN. In addition to the CDS proposal, bills from PSD, PAN, and Livre related to this topic will also be discussed and voted on today.
The second article of the law classifies acts of obstetric violence as physical and verbal actions by healthcare professionals characterized by dehumanized behavior, over-medicalization, or the “pathologization of natural processes, disregarding the protection regime,” from pre-conception to birth.
This law also established a legal framework for episiotomies [an incision made in the perineum to enlarge the birth canal], promoting their eradication as a routine practice, in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization.
Now, CDS-PP proposes that the law should be repealed, removing the concept of obstetric violence, arguing that it “does not align with the standards followed in other European Union countries.” In its bill, PSD stated that the current concept is “excessively broad and undesirably vague.”
Conversely, Livre aims to expand the legal definition of obstetric violence to include “all forms of physical, verbal, psychological, and emotional abuse, as well as institutional practices.”
PAN goes further, suggesting that the concept of obstetric violence should also encompass – in addition to what has been proposed by Livre – any restriction of women’s choices, administration of medication without informed consent, and loss of mobility and autonomy.
During the week, over 20 associations criticized the proposals by CDS-PP and PSD, stating that repealing the law would be an “act of institutional violence” and would “protect inhumane practices.”
The Portuguese Association of Women Jurists (APMJ) also expressed that repealing the law on women’s rights during pregnancy and childbirth would represent “a serious setback,” but advocated for its wording to be refined.
Back in April, following the law’s approval, the Order of Physicians called for its repeal, claiming it was poorly drafted and that healthcare professionals were not consulted in its development.
