Work

Perinatal death, collective action and legislation against obstetric violence in Argentina

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This article explores the interconnections between perinatal death, collective action, and legislation against obstetric violence in Argentina. It employs a comprehensive methodological approach, including in-depth interviews, document reviews, a survey, and intensive ethnographic fieldwork to provide a multidimensional understanding of how collective actions influence legislative outcomes. Johanna Piferrer's case, a poignant example detailed in this study, illustrates how personal tragedy catalyzed public and legislative acknowledgement of obstetric violence. This article argues that her advocacy, coupled with the broader feminist movement's support, was crucial in transforming personal grief into a public issue that led to significant legislative changes. These changes include the creation of "Johanna's Law," which mandates improved hospital protocols and health professional training to handle perinatal deaths more sensitively and effectively. The study concludes that collective action is a powerful catalyst for creating transformative legislation that addresses the systemic issues of obstetric violence in Argentina.

Source: Death Studies

DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2433108

Authors: Gabriela Irrazábal, Ana Lucía Olmos Álvarez, Bárbara Martínez

Institutions: Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, National University of Avellaneda

Language: English

Topic: Gender, Violence, Rights in Latin America

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Gender equality, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Universidad de Buenos Aires