BACKGROUND:

The term "obstetric violence" is widely used today, and several definitions can be found, all with the common denominator of criticizing practices that do not promote dignified and respectful childbirth.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate, through a narrative bibliographic review, the current situation of obstetric violence in order to define the perception of health personnel regarding obstetric violence and health care practice, as well as the term obstetric violence. In addition, to evaluate proposals for improvement in health care that will provide patients with better peripartum care.

METHODOLOGY:

Bibliographic review of articles published from 2017 to 2022 in PubMed, Scopus, Medes, Lilacs, Cinahl, SciELO and Web of Science databases. Search terms: Violence; obstetrics; humanizing delivery; obstetric delivery.

RESULTS:

1469 bibliographic references were located and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, only 17 remained and another 13 were included because they were considered of interest to enrich the analysis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Obstetric violence generates controversy not only in society, but also among health professionals who directly care for pregnant women during childbirth. Providing current and future health professionals with the necessary tools to treat patients from a biopsychosocial model is essential to provide better and higher quality care.