Obstetric violence from the perspective of healthcare personnel: a qualitative systematic review

Background While empirical research on obstetric violence has focused primarily on women's experiences, the perspectives of healthcare personnel remain relatively neglected. Consequently, this study synthesized qualitative evidence regarding healthcare professionals’ perceptions of obstetric violence to understand how their views are constructed and which contextual factors influence the reproduction of these practices. Methodology A qualitative systematic review was conducted, covering literature published between 2019 and 2025. The search encompassed the ProQuest Central, Sage Journals, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, and PubMed databases. Following PRISMA guidelines, 22 studies that met the inclusion criteria and addressed the research question were included. The data were analyzed using a hermeneutic approach oriented toward recovering the meanings attributed to obstetric violence within its specific production contexts. Results The reviewed studies reveal tension between recognizing and denying obstetric violence among professionals. Some discourses justify institutionalized practices under biomedical logic, while others express discomfort and internal contradictions toward actions perceived as violent yet considered part of the clinical routine. Medical hierarchy, professional training, work overload, and lack of awareness of reproductive rights were identified as factors shaping these perceptions. Differences were also observed between disciplines (e.g., midwifery vs. obstetrics) and levels of experience (e.g., professionals vs. students). Discussion Findings suggest that obstetric mistreatment is a systemic and modifiable phenomenon rather than merely a product of individual intent. Empirical intervention literature demonstrates that professional perceptions can be shifted through structured institutional reforms and training. Eradicating obstetric violence requires moving towards a systemic thinking approach that addresses institutional stressors and promotes humanized, woman-centered care models.