Scientific Inquiry and Authoritarianism in Perinatal Care and Education

Abstract

ABSTRACT One of the features of scientific inquiry is its anti‐authoritarian nature. Because of this, authorities use a variety of strategies to obstruct scientific inquiry. This tension needs greater public exposure and discussion than it has received. This is necessary because the scientific method offers an efficient framework within which to protect families from the unintended adverse consequences of authoritarian prescriptions and proscriptions in perinatal care and education. (BIRTH 10:3, Fall 1983)