Beyond the Nature/Medicine Divide in Maternity Care

AMA J Ethics. 2018 Dec 1;20(12):E1168-1174. doi: 10.1001/amajethics.2018.1168.

Abstract

Much has been made of distinguishing natural from medical in childbirth in both popular and professional contexts. But what do we really mean by natural childbirth? This essay examines the history behind the natural childbirth movement and suggests that distinguishing natural from medical childbirth is no longer productive in ongoing efforts to improve maternal health care.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Maternal Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Medicalization*
  • Natural Childbirth / methods*
  • Natural Childbirth / psychology*
  • Personal Autonomy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant Women / psychology*