British Journal of Midwifery · 2008 · 22 citations · 0 references
Reproductive SciencesCesarean HealthReproductive HealthGynecologyPreterm Birth PreventionMaternity ServiceFamily PlanningGender StudiesCaesarean SectionObstetricsFetal DistressPublic HealthFeminist HealthMs MagazineSexual And Reproductive HealthRespectful Maternity CareHealth PolicyJennifer BlockMaternal ComplicationPainful TruthMaternal HealthMaternal Health PolicyFormer EditorFeminist TheoryMidwiferyAbortionPregnancyMedicineWomen's Health
In 2006 the USA recorded a 31.1% caesarean section rate, an increase of 3% over 2005, an increase of 50% over the last ten years (Hamilton et al, 2007). For anyone wishing to know why this may be the case, this book will provide some answers. Jennifer Block, a former editor of the Ms Magazine and of the revised edition of the book ‘Our Bodies, Ourselves', has produced a very readable book on the topic. She explores the various factors that have led to an increased medicalization of childbirth, but systematically parallels the arguments for this increase with research that has demonstrated just as systematically that many interventions have little proof that they may be beneficial but, indeed, often plenty of information that demonstrates harm associated with such interventions.