The Industrialization of Childbirth

Gawande begins by describing the birthing process of Elizabeth Rourke and then provides a background on pre-natal care and childbirth in general. I agree that childbirth has become industrial but I do not believe that is a bad trend in modern society. Gawande explains the many problems and ensuing deaths caused from childbirth in previous centuries due to a lack of knowledge and technology. Understandably, the birthing process is very personal and thus many mothers want their delivery to be exactly as they wish. However, the pregnancy classes and widespread information about pregnancy, such as when to arrive at the hospital and want medicines are used, have helped make pregnancies a more routine process. In Allison Crews' article, she concludes by explaining that if women have the right to abortion and parenting methods, they should be able to design the birthing process as well or even deliver the baby themselves. While this may sound justifiable in theory, the main importance of birthing is for the safety of both the mother and the child. Thus, have a structured system and well-educated doctors overseeing deliveries is the best way to ensure such necessary safeties. The birthing process may have become industrialized, but the success of deliveries in modern times and the relative safety of mothers and newborns has steadily increased with such industrialization. That practically speaks for itself. To relate this issue to an economic standpoint, many scholars (such as Marx) believe that a capitalist society may be the most productive system but that it eliminates personal emotions. In terms of childbirth, production (in terms of success and safety) should outweigh concerns over personal desires for a unique birthing process.