Feminist critiques about access to criminal justice for women victims of obstetric violence in Mexico City

Abstract

This text aims to analyze the legal framework of the right to a life free of obstetric violence, to show a radiography of the situation of obstetric violence in Mexico City. Based on contemporary feminist debates, it is determined if criminal law is appropiate to guarantee access to justice for women victims of obstetric violence. Methodologically, a descriptive analysis of the legal framework and of feminist critiques of criminal law is conducted; furthermore a quantitative analysis of the cases that occurred in public hospitals in this state is done and also of the recommendations issued by the Human Rights Commission of Mexico City, to show the situations faced by women victims in their search for access to justice through criminal law.