Gender and Fatalism in The Reality of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Maternal Death in Minangkabau

Abstract

. Maternal death due to pregnancy and childbirth is a reality that leaves many concerns because a mother should not suffer or die because of carrying out reproductive functions. A woman's chances of dying or becoming disabled during pregnancy and childbirth are closely related to her social and economic status, cultural norms, the geographical remoteness of her residence, to the gender relations that surround her. These variables can directly or indirectly affect mothers' access to health services. This paper highlights one of these variables and describes how gender relations in the Minangkabau family can be barriers for mothers to obtain health services during pregnancy and childbirth. Method. This research is qualitative exploratory through cases encountered in the field. They use observation techniques and semi-structural interviews guided by a list of questions to answer the research objectives. Results. Women decide matters relating to reproductive rights and events based on the attitude of their husbands and the experiences of senior women in the family. Educational and financial limitations reinforce this. There are restrictions on women's autonomy in decision-making, which affects their access to health services. The need to obtain health services during pregnancy considers the opinions of husbands, mothers-in-law, and mothers or grandmothers. Conclusion. Gender value systems and traditional experiences of senior women underlie women's procrastination towards their health needs. This attitude fosters an attitude of fatalism that makes women ignore the fulfillment of the demand for adequate health services.