The COVID-19 pandemic as a justification for discriminatory actions: racial bias in the selectivity of the right to a companion during childbirth

Abstract

This article aims to analyze an unexpected by-product found in the master’s dissertation research entitled The color of obstetric violence. Among the data collected in the interviews, it was noteworthy that 86% of white women could have a companion of their own choice at some point during hospitalization for childbirth. Among the black women interviewed, only 33% were authorized to exercise this same right guaranteed by Law No. 11,108 of 2005. The justification used by the health services for women who were denied the right to a companion was the implementation of control and prevention protocols in regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. In maternity hospitals where these pregnant women were hospitalized for childbirth, there was no unrestricted prohibition on the presence of a companion during hospitalization. Institutions analyzed case by case. This subjective evaluation, without defined criteria, showed a racial bias in selectivity. These violations of the rights of parturient women can be characterized as obstetric racism.

Keywords:
gestation; racism; COVID-19