The Politics of Childbirth: The Re-Emergence of Midwifery in Arizona

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Abstract
Interviews with 27 licensed lay midwives in Arizona demonstrate the continuing macro- and micro-political struggles over definitions and control of childbirth. Physicians define childbirth as a potentially pathological process requiring active medical intervention. They also continue to regard lay midwives as dangerously unqualified and home birth as unnecessarily risky despite state licensure of midwives who attend home births. On the other hand, midwives define childbirth as a safe, normal process in most cases, and see physician opposition as self-serving and misinformed. They also stress the advantages of their holistic, family-centered care. Although state licensure gives lay midwives some protection from legal risks, physicians' continuing dominance in the health care arena has powerful, adverse consequences for both midwives and their clients.

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