July 22, 2024

Post-Colonialisms and Global Citizenship

João Arriscado Nunes e Susana de Noronha

The present doctoral thesis investigated the experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum among Black and Afro-descendant women in Lisbon. The object of study focused on the experiences of Black and Afro-descendant women, considering intersectionality as the framework of analysis. Understanding motherhood from an intersectional perspective allowed for an examination of how multiple identities, including race and gender, influence women's experiences throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Methodologically, self-administered questionnaires were employed, yielding 119 valid responses. Additionally, 17 in-depth interviews were conducted. Associative work within the context of the struggle for reproductive justice was also ethnographically addressed as an integral part of the research. The results of the thesis unveiled a complex and multifaceted reality. Black and Afro-descendant women in Lisbon, despite having access to healthcare during pregnancy, often face racial and gender microaggressions along their maternal journey. Even when basic healthcare laws guarantee adequate care, the relationship with healthcare teams is often marked by discrimination and stereotypes, creating moments of tension related to racial discrimination. The study emphasised the need to delve deeper into the scars left by colonialism and structural racism that permeate the healthcare structure in Portugal. These barriers prevent black and Afro-descendant women from fully experiencing motherhood, depriving them of an experience free from racial and gender-based violence. In conclusion, the importance of an intersectional approach in analysing the maternity experiences of women belonging to ethnic minorities is emphasized. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for measures aimed at eliminating racial and gender discrimination in healthcare systems to ensure that all women, regardless of their ethnic background, can experience safe and respectful motherhood.

Keywords: intersectionality; reproductive health; obstetric violence; obstetric racism