My body, their rules?

Limitations on women's self-determination in choosing the delivery method and the doctor-patient relationship

Abstract

Issues related to the uterus often spark debates, especially as they involve conflicting positions, creating external limitations for women who choose to have children regarding their reproductive choices. This is a serious matter that infringes upon the autonomy and freedom not only of pregnant women but also of users of the public health system. This research will analyze the challenges faced by these patients in the context of choosing their mode of delivery, particularly in relation to the physician, who plays a crucial role during pregnancy. The primary objectives include identifying how informed consent can serve as a crucial mechanism to ensure women's autonomy in the decision-making process concerning childbirth, highlighting the need to guarantee minimum standards that respect women's dignity and reproductive rights. This qualitative article is based on normative and doctrinal research, employing bibliographic, discursive, and argumentative methods. The study aims to understand how these limitations can be imposed by norms and practices, demonstrating that guaranteeing minimum conditions of choice and protecting women's rights are essential for a healthy doctor-patient relationship.