Medical workers navigate their own moral and religious beliefs, professional standards, the law and the realities of clinical work – which can be especially complicated in abortion care.
Freebirth is frequently misunderstood and misrepresented. Discussions of freebirth often emphasise risk but women are most concerned with maternity services and obstetric violence
A free birth is when a woman chooses to have a baby, usually at home, without a registered midwife or doctor in attendance. It’s much riskier than a planned home birth.
From patronising language to non-consensual surgical interventions, the mistreatment of women during childbirth is common – so why do so few women complain?
Women described feeling dehumanised, powerless and violated. Some experienced psychological and emotional abuse, while others were threatened and yelled at.
Many pregnant women who request planned caesarean deliveries are simply told no, despite guidelines advising doctors who disagree to offer referral or transfer care.
With the introduction of free maternal healthcare, Nigeria appears to have got more women using health facilities, but there are more hurdles to cross.
Most women in the US give birth lying flat on their back, anesthetized. An obstetrician investigates why this is and whether this is always the best approach.
Childbirth used to be a terrifying ordeal. But women were surrounded by others – mothers, aunts, sisters – who brought love and experience. But midway through the 19th century, this changed.
The benefits of midwifery for women and babies globally are clear. In Canada, innovations in midwifery centres and services are tempered by low pay and high rates of burnout.