Birth as an American Rite of Passage

This study examines why, despite the growing strength of the natural childbirth movement, women increasingly opt for the standardized routines of hospital births. The author adopts an anthropological perspective and highlights a cultural belief in the superiority of science over nature.

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Why do so many American women allow themselves to become enmeshed in the standardized routines of technocratic childbirth--routines that can be insensitive, unnecessary, and even unhealthy? Anthropologist Robbie Davis-Floyd first addressed these questions in the 1992 edition. Her new preface to this 2003 edition of a book that has been read, applauded, and loved by women all over the world, makes it clear that the issues surrounding childbirth remain as controversial as ever.