Silenced pain: Ecuadorian women and their struggle against obstetric violence

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of gynecological-obstetric violence in Ecuador from a criminal perspective. Current regulations, such as the Comprehensive Organic Penal Code (COIP), are reviewed and relevant court rulings are analyzed to identify patterns in the application of the law. Although the COIP covers various forms of gender-based violence, it does not explicitly address gynecological-obstetric violence, which allows the perpetuation of abusive practices in medical settings. This legal vacuum leaves victims without adequate protection, although some articles related to psychological and physical violence may apply generally, they do not contemplate the particularities of violence in obstetric contexts.