OBJECTIVE: To report the repercussions of near miss on the life of women who survived that event and the women' perception of the care received during the near miss event in the critical care unit. METHODS: This was a qualitative study using oral history interviewing. Medical anthropology served as the conceptual framework for the study. Data were collected from 2003 to 2005 through narrative interviews with 13 women who were discharged from a critical care unit and who were residents in Fernandópolis, SP. RESULTS: Some of the women reported that the experience of near miss brought suffering and sequelae such as infertility, depressive symptoms, and lack of perspectives in life. Other women were able to adjust and redirect their life. Many women complained of the care received, and the negligence and/or incompetence of health care professionals during the near miss event. CONCLUSION: The study's findings allowed us to understand the experience of this sample of women and suggested they receive a dehumanized care. There is a need for further studies regarding health care professional ethical behaviors.
Pregnancy complications; Women's health; Reproductive medicine