You find yourself at a cocktail party with the author of the book you just finished reading. To demonstrate that you really read it, you say, "Hey - thanks for writing "Born in the USA: How a Broken Maternity System myst be Fixed to put Women and Children First". Your main idea, explaining the dangers of the maternity care system in the USA and your solutions to those problems made me rethink about pregnancy & birth."
But the author, surprised to be talking to someone who instead of sharing their own birth story actually rephrased the main idea of the text he spent months giving birth to asks, "Really, which parts were most effective or important for you?" When you answer, "Well, in the last third of the book you focused on the actual solutions and alternative ways of improving the broken maternity system we have in the U.S, which further developed the first 2/3rds of the book. But let me be more specific." And then you listed the top 3 ideas/pieces of evidence/insights/questions from that final third of the book (and somehow even listed page number references).
1. Communication between Obstetricians and midwives are essential. (page 206)
2. Litigation helps protects women, letting them speak out if they know their childbirth process was unnecessary and dangerous. (page 225)
3. Women should be able to choose their care provider, their birth place, and have her own birth plan that will be carried out even in hospitals. (page 248)
At this point, realizing that he's having a unique conversation with a serious reader of his book, the author asks - "But what could I have done to make this a better book - that would more effectively fulfill its mission?" You answer, "Well, let's be clear - your text sought to provide narratives, historical analysis, journalistic analysis, and policy analysis from the perspective of both mothers whose choices are limited in giving birth and the obstetricians for the book-reading-public to better understand pregnancy & birth in our culture. Given that aim, and your book, the best advice I would give for a 2nd edition of the text would be, to actually find obstetricians who can speak more in depth about their ignorance on the normal birth process. But I don't want you to feel like I'm criticizing. I appreciate the immense amount of labor you dedicated to this important issue and particularly for making me think about how our society depends on Obstetricians without questioning their medical and unnecessary interventions & the reasons why OBGYN's use these inerventions (because of fear of litigation and ignorance of seeing childbirth as a natural process. In fact, I'm likely to consider home birth and look up actual data to make sure Obstetricians aren't putting myself and a potential child at risk if I do give birth in a hospital as a result of your book." The author replies, "Thanks! Talking to you gives me hope about our future as a society!"
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
HW#39: Insights from Book part 2
1.) Wagner, Marsden. Born in the USA: How a Broken Maternity System must be Fixed to put Women and Children first. California: University of California Press, 2006. Print.
In general, the book and the film exspress a strong opinion for home birth over hospital birth. The book had a few things that was not mentioned in the film that I found important or interesting though.
-Having midwives was like common sense in 1452 in Germany.
-The start of the 19th century, marked the turning point of negative attitudes toward midwives. They were accused of witchcraft.
-There were cases in California where midwives were harassed and had random searches.
-Males in general are afraid of child birth and having no control (That's why they dissaprove midwives/home births)
-Despite research, ABC's (Alternative Birth Centers) are outlawed in Illinois.
-"Obstetricians are sued more than physicians in any other specialty." (Page 152)
2.) In the second hundred pages, the author goes more into depth about the difference between Obstetricians and midwives. Though research supports that midwives are safe, obstetricians make an effort to make themselves seem like the best choice. Obstetricians want control and are afraid of the process of birth.
Response: My attitudes toward OBGYN's completely changed. I was hoping that all doctors prioritize what is best for the patient/client over themselves. They're selfish that they put themselves before the mother/child. The system is corrupt and puts midwives in a disadvantage when doctors should be learning from them.
3a.) The public should know that, "Obstericians are sued more then physicians in any other specialty." (Page 152)
3b.) The public should know that there are legal protections for pregnant and birthing mothers that most women and health care professionals know very little of. (Page 173)
3c.) The public should know that ACOG allow obstetricians to use litigation to maintain monopoly. (Page 169)
3d.)The public should know that Obstetricians are afraid of litigation, causing them to turn to C-sections. (Page 154)
3e.)The public should know that midwives have been harassed before. There was a case in California where a midwife was randomly searched at her home because she was a midwife.
4.)I wanted to confirm about the liability issue with Obstetricians. I found a survey by ACOG that confirmed what the book said about sues and litigations.
"90.5% of respondents indicated they experienced at least one professional liability claim filed against
them during their professional careers, an average of 2.69 claims per ob‐gyn."
I also found that for claims on Obstetricians, "impaired infant claims" were the most common, with death of the baby as the second claim.
(http://www.acog.org/departments/professionalLiability/2009PLSurveyNational.pdf)
In general, the book and the film exspress a strong opinion for home birth over hospital birth. The book had a few things that was not mentioned in the film that I found important or interesting though.
-Having midwives was like common sense in 1452 in Germany.
-The start of the 19th century, marked the turning point of negative attitudes toward midwives. They were accused of witchcraft.
-There were cases in California where midwives were harassed and had random searches.
-Males in general are afraid of child birth and having no control (That's why they dissaprove midwives/home births)
-Despite research, ABC's (Alternative Birth Centers) are outlawed in Illinois.
-"Obstetricians are sued more than physicians in any other specialty." (Page 152)
2.) In the second hundred pages, the author goes more into depth about the difference between Obstetricians and midwives. Though research supports that midwives are safe, obstetricians make an effort to make themselves seem like the best choice. Obstetricians want control and are afraid of the process of birth.
Response: My attitudes toward OBGYN's completely changed. I was hoping that all doctors prioritize what is best for the patient/client over themselves. They're selfish that they put themselves before the mother/child. The system is corrupt and puts midwives in a disadvantage when doctors should be learning from them.
3a.) The public should know that, "Obstericians are sued more then physicians in any other specialty." (Page 152)
3b.) The public should know that there are legal protections for pregnant and birthing mothers that most women and health care professionals know very little of. (Page 173)
3c.) The public should know that ACOG allow obstetricians to use litigation to maintain monopoly. (Page 169)
3d.)The public should know that Obstetricians are afraid of litigation, causing them to turn to C-sections. (Page 154)
3e.)The public should know that midwives have been harassed before. There was a case in California where a midwife was randomly searched at her home because she was a midwife.
4.)I wanted to confirm about the liability issue with Obstetricians. I found a survey by ACOG that confirmed what the book said about sues and litigations.
"90.5% of respondents indicated they experienced at least one professional liability claim filed against
them during their professional careers, an average of 2.69 claims per ob‐gyn."
I also found that for claims on Obstetricians, "impaired infant claims" were the most common, with death of the baby as the second claim.
(http://www.acog.org/departments/professionalLiability/2009PLSurveyNational.pdf)
Monday, March 14, 2011
HW#38: Insights from pregnancy and birth book-part 1
"Born in the USA" By: Marsden Wagner, M.D., M.S.
1.) The book is broken into chapters that goes into depth of one of the problems involving OBGYN's the author believes should be informed to women in general. These chapters all revolve (so far) about the information doctors never tell patients for their own benefit.
2.) The last paragraph of the first chapter shows an overview of what the author will be investigating throughtout the book, "This book is designed to further an understanding of problems in the maternity care system in the United States." (Page 12) The essential question is would be, What is wrong with the U.S maternity health care system and what solutions are there?
Response: The problems of the maternity system is clearly written in the book, and I find the author reliable enough to gain my trust. He goes out of his way to write a book and hold speeches because of his strong belief in the right of women to be informed of their birthing process. I don't think there is a simple solution because the whole system would have to undergo change.
3.) The major insight from the book is that doctors in the maternity care system put themselves before patients. "The second reason obstetricians want more women to have C-sections is to avoid litigation. Obstetricians are desperate to stay out of courtrooms where, unlike in hospitals, they are vulnerable..." (Page 39)There were other reasons mentioned as well such as for their own convenience and taking less time for the process.
Response: This is both a shock and dissapointment to me. This insight made me realize how clueless I am about too dependent I am on doctors. This is frustrating because I really thought C-sections were only conducted for necessary reasons.
4a.) The public should be clearly notified of the rate of unnesessary C-sections in the U.S.
b.) The public should know that ACOG has no scientific data to support their clain that hospital birth is safer than home birth.
c.)The public should know that 'choosing to have a C-section even when its not medically necessary' can lead to the mother and/or baby to die.
d.)The public should know that C-sections usually happen on weekdays when its more convenient for the doctor, not necessarily the patient.
e.) The public should know that mothers give birth in a certain position only for the doctors benefit. Doctors are not even willing to be below the women even if it will make the birth process more natural.
5.) The author uses the voices of different perspectives to argue his point. He mentions actual birth stories of mothers, statistical data, and questions authorities in meetings. I find the evidence reliable because it is data that is usually hidden from the public. The evidences he uses to back up his claims are redundant though in each chapter.
1.) The book is broken into chapters that goes into depth of one of the problems involving OBGYN's the author believes should be informed to women in general. These chapters all revolve (so far) about the information doctors never tell patients for their own benefit.
2.) The last paragraph of the first chapter shows an overview of what the author will be investigating throughtout the book, "This book is designed to further an understanding of problems in the maternity care system in the United States." (Page 12) The essential question is would be, What is wrong with the U.S maternity health care system and what solutions are there?
Response: The problems of the maternity system is clearly written in the book, and I find the author reliable enough to gain my trust. He goes out of his way to write a book and hold speeches because of his strong belief in the right of women to be informed of their birthing process. I don't think there is a simple solution because the whole system would have to undergo change.
3.) The major insight from the book is that doctors in the maternity care system put themselves before patients. "The second reason obstetricians want more women to have C-sections is to avoid litigation. Obstetricians are desperate to stay out of courtrooms where, unlike in hospitals, they are vulnerable..." (Page 39)There were other reasons mentioned as well such as for their own convenience and taking less time for the process.
Response: This is both a shock and dissapointment to me. This insight made me realize how clueless I am about too dependent I am on doctors. This is frustrating because I really thought C-sections were only conducted for necessary reasons.
4a.) The public should be clearly notified of the rate of unnesessary C-sections in the U.S.
b.) The public should know that ACOG has no scientific data to support their clain that hospital birth is safer than home birth.
c.)The public should know that 'choosing to have a C-section even when its not medically necessary' can lead to the mother and/or baby to die.
d.)The public should know that C-sections usually happen on weekdays when its more convenient for the doctor, not necessarily the patient.
e.) The public should know that mothers give birth in a certain position only for the doctors benefit. Doctors are not even willing to be below the women even if it will make the birth process more natural.
5.) The author uses the voices of different perspectives to argue his point. He mentions actual birth stories of mothers, statistical data, and questions authorities in meetings. I find the evidence reliable because it is data that is usually hidden from the public. The evidences he uses to back up his claims are redundant though in each chapter.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
HW 37: Comments on Birth & Pregnancy Stories
Comments to other group members:
To Raven:
"I found your post really interesting. The post made me re-think about the difficulty and feelings that comes across people during the process of birth. A line in particular that I liked was, "When she became pregnant it was no longer about herself, it was about “I have a baby growing inside of me, what I need to do to take care of this child?” She also began talking about how through raising children you are able to reflect and change some of the things you were brought up with." This is a pattern I notice with the people I interviewed as well. I think its because a new life brings joy but also a responsibility. And, raising a child is no easy task so mothers always learn a few life lessons along the way. This makes me wonder if there is such a thing as an 'ideal' way to raise a child if the parent is also in a way learning from the new life."
To Ben:
"I found your post really interesting. I also interviewed a teen mother where the father also stayed by her side. I was really moved because I saw photos of the couple holding and smiling at the new born. This furthered my question of whether teen pregnancy is really all that bad if it is raised by loving parents. A line I liked was, "In fact, he did not even mention the possibility of abortion to her, and when she finally brought it up as something she would prefer not to do, he agreed 100 percent. This was practically shocking to me; its as if this 17 year old boy who has not even finished high school yet feels that he is ready and wants a child." This may seem irrational at first, but I also think that the idea of birth provokes the decision of not doing abortion if it is the killing of a new life."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments on my HW#36
From Raven:
"I enjoyed reading the account of your birth and it’s interesting that you mentioned the experience a person has with giving birth. I have always wondered what makes someone more experienced with giving birth than the next person and that is something I hope to learn in this unit. I also liked the line: “Living in Japan, my mother was affected by the assumptions people made about marriage and birth. This made me wonder if the culture here, in America, affects our decisions about pregnancy and birth as well.” I do believe the cultures in our society do influencec the way we view the process of pregnancy and birth because we follow the cultures of our society. I enjoyed reading your blog."
From Mom:
"I really enjoyed reading your post. I was also surprised about the teen mother, but through your post I found myself agreeing. If the mother has no regret with the child and really cherishes the new life, society should not be putting mothers down just because of age. A line I liked was, "My interview with her contradicted all my negative images of teen pregnancy. This dosn't mean we should have babies at a young age-but I'm starting to think it isn't always bad as long as your responsible enough."
From Ben:
"I was inspired by the amount of interesting ideas that I had not previously thought about that you were able to fit into this post. For instance, the way you describe your mothers reasons for having a child was largely based on cultural practices was very eye-opening for me. However, your most thought provoking line in my opinion was, "At first I felt bad for her, but I learned from her that having a baby at a young age isn't a 'mistake.' At least she dosn't think so. Why does our culture put down teen pregnancy so much?" This sentence really made me realize that so many people in our society look down on teen pregnancy, and yet usually don't provide any legitimate reasoning or evidence for their opinions. Great job!"
From Angela (Younger Commentor)
""Why does our culture put down teen pregnancy so much?"
I have to agree with this line because where my family is from, in Mexico it is quite common for most teenagers to be pregnant at this age, if not by their 20's. It seems that depending the culture, it will either reject or accept this idea. It was great that you got 3 people with 3 different experiences on the exact same subject and I feel that you also may have changed my mind a little. Maybe as long as you have the right support pregnancy shouldnt be looked as bad."
To Raven:
"I found your post really interesting. The post made me re-think about the difficulty and feelings that comes across people during the process of birth. A line in particular that I liked was, "When she became pregnant it was no longer about herself, it was about “I have a baby growing inside of me, what I need to do to take care of this child?” She also began talking about how through raising children you are able to reflect and change some of the things you were brought up with." This is a pattern I notice with the people I interviewed as well. I think its because a new life brings joy but also a responsibility. And, raising a child is no easy task so mothers always learn a few life lessons along the way. This makes me wonder if there is such a thing as an 'ideal' way to raise a child if the parent is also in a way learning from the new life."
To Ben:
"I found your post really interesting. I also interviewed a teen mother where the father also stayed by her side. I was really moved because I saw photos of the couple holding and smiling at the new born. This furthered my question of whether teen pregnancy is really all that bad if it is raised by loving parents. A line I liked was, "In fact, he did not even mention the possibility of abortion to her, and when she finally brought it up as something she would prefer not to do, he agreed 100 percent. This was practically shocking to me; its as if this 17 year old boy who has not even finished high school yet feels that he is ready and wants a child." This may seem irrational at first, but I also think that the idea of birth provokes the decision of not doing abortion if it is the killing of a new life."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments on my HW#36
From Raven:
"I enjoyed reading the account of your birth and it’s interesting that you mentioned the experience a person has with giving birth. I have always wondered what makes someone more experienced with giving birth than the next person and that is something I hope to learn in this unit. I also liked the line: “Living in Japan, my mother was affected by the assumptions people made about marriage and birth. This made me wonder if the culture here, in America, affects our decisions about pregnancy and birth as well.” I do believe the cultures in our society do influencec the way we view the process of pregnancy and birth because we follow the cultures of our society. I enjoyed reading your blog."
From Mom:
"I really enjoyed reading your post. I was also surprised about the teen mother, but through your post I found myself agreeing. If the mother has no regret with the child and really cherishes the new life, society should not be putting mothers down just because of age. A line I liked was, "My interview with her contradicted all my negative images of teen pregnancy. This dosn't mean we should have babies at a young age-but I'm starting to think it isn't always bad as long as your responsible enough."
From Ben:
"I was inspired by the amount of interesting ideas that I had not previously thought about that you were able to fit into this post. For instance, the way you describe your mothers reasons for having a child was largely based on cultural practices was very eye-opening for me. However, your most thought provoking line in my opinion was, "At first I felt bad for her, but I learned from her that having a baby at a young age isn't a 'mistake.' At least she dosn't think so. Why does our culture put down teen pregnancy so much?" This sentence really made me realize that so many people in our society look down on teen pregnancy, and yet usually don't provide any legitimate reasoning or evidence for their opinions. Great job!"
From Angela (Younger Commentor)
""Why does our culture put down teen pregnancy so much?"
I have to agree with this line because where my family is from, in Mexico it is quite common for most teenagers to be pregnant at this age, if not by their 20's. It seems that depending the culture, it will either reject or accept this idea. It was great that you got 3 people with 3 different experiences on the exact same subject and I feel that you also may have changed my mind a little. Maybe as long as you have the right support pregnancy shouldnt be looked as bad."
Monday, February 21, 2011
HW#36: Pregnancy & Birth Stories
1.) I felt a bit awkward as I sat next to my mother telling a story about me. She showed me a medical and welfare record of my daily growth-as though it was like her little treasure. When I asked her what influnced her to have a baby, she simply answered that in Japan it was assumed that when you get married, you have a child. It was a cultural influence. But regardless, she was happy that there was a new life growing inside of her. Nine months felt like forever to her and she wanted the baby to hurry up and come out. It was also a busy period for her as well-she was actually preparing to move to NY and had to finish papers. I was supposed to be due two days later, but my mother knew something was odd when she felt pain. She called the hospital but was told to just rest at home. She could not sleep at all and even when she went to the hospital the next day it wasn't until night time that I finally came out. The birth process was long and uncomfortable. Her thighs hurt instead of the stomache and my mother could tell the nurse never experienced birth herself.
Despite the fact that it was a bit odd asking my own mother how it felt giving birth to myself-I found myself understanding and agreeing with her opinions and thoughts. Living in Japan, my mother was affected by the assumptions people made about marridge and birth. This made me wonder if the culture here, in America, affects our decisions about pregnancy and birth as well. My mother's story also confirmed my understanding that pregnancy is not only a period of excitement-but it is also a period of stress and impatience. Nine months is a long time period. The moment of giving birth is even more tiresome and even painful. The comment she made about the nurse having no experience in birth made me wonder if its better if doctors who help deliver babies have birth experiences themselves.
2.)I knew teen pregnancy was commonplace, but I didn't think I end up knowing someone in that situation. I was shocked when I found out and had no idea how to react. I felt guilty for asking her questions for a history homework but she ended up telling me to ask her anything and that she trusts me to keep her anonymous. The pregnancy was unexpected but she is thankful for the new life. She worried about being able to graduate while having the responsibility of a child but I could tell she also has affections and loving feelings to the baby. When she found out about her pregnancy, she read as many books as she can about birth and pregnancy. She took walks until the 8th and 9th month. She also mentioned about how emotional she was.
At first I felt bad for her, but I learned from her that having a baby at a young age isn't a 'mistake.' At least she dosn't think so. Why does our culture put down teen pregnancy so much? I had to wonder this while I heard her story. She puts effort in her child while still being able to focus on school. A mother should be loving and responsible, so I think she will be a great mother despite the difficulties. I was also surprised that the father of the child is also willing to care and love for the child. I had a weird assumption that male teenagers don't want to do anything with a baby. My interview with her contradicted all my negative images of teen pregnancy. This dosn't mean we should have babies at a young age-but I'm starting to think it isn't always bad as long as your responsible enough.
3.) I actually found similar answers from this interviewee. She decided to have a baby with her husband after they both finished college and had a stable income. She found support from family members as well which helped her a lot through her pregnancy. Though the situation is the complete opposite from the teen mother, what they did during pregnancy were similar. She researched everything she can about birth and even excersized. She barely felt sick, but mentioned about how emotional she was. She even cried at movies that she never cried at before her pregnancy. She also mentioned about feeling uncomfortable with looks from strangers. She's not a teen mother, but some strangers think she is from her appearance and she really didn't like that.
Pregnancy brings many emotional and physical problems. She had a lot of support which I found really important in times of pregnancy. Nine months with barely no support is most likely really overwhelming. I didn't get to find someone who went through birth with no support at all so it made me wonder how hard it must be in that kind of situation. She emphasized how glad she was her family and her husband was for their support.
I am curious to know more about the emotional and psychological aspect of birth. I'm curious if support from others affect people's decisions and feelings about birth.
Despite the fact that it was a bit odd asking my own mother how it felt giving birth to myself-I found myself understanding and agreeing with her opinions and thoughts. Living in Japan, my mother was affected by the assumptions people made about marridge and birth. This made me wonder if the culture here, in America, affects our decisions about pregnancy and birth as well. My mother's story also confirmed my understanding that pregnancy is not only a period of excitement-but it is also a period of stress and impatience. Nine months is a long time period. The moment of giving birth is even more tiresome and even painful. The comment she made about the nurse having no experience in birth made me wonder if its better if doctors who help deliver babies have birth experiences themselves.
2.)I knew teen pregnancy was commonplace, but I didn't think I end up knowing someone in that situation. I was shocked when I found out and had no idea how to react. I felt guilty for asking her questions for a history homework but she ended up telling me to ask her anything and that she trusts me to keep her anonymous. The pregnancy was unexpected but she is thankful for the new life. She worried about being able to graduate while having the responsibility of a child but I could tell she also has affections and loving feelings to the baby. When she found out about her pregnancy, she read as many books as she can about birth and pregnancy. She took walks until the 8th and 9th month. She also mentioned about how emotional she was.
At first I felt bad for her, but I learned from her that having a baby at a young age isn't a 'mistake.' At least she dosn't think so. Why does our culture put down teen pregnancy so much? I had to wonder this while I heard her story. She puts effort in her child while still being able to focus on school. A mother should be loving and responsible, so I think she will be a great mother despite the difficulties. I was also surprised that the father of the child is also willing to care and love for the child. I had a weird assumption that male teenagers don't want to do anything with a baby. My interview with her contradicted all my negative images of teen pregnancy. This dosn't mean we should have babies at a young age-but I'm starting to think it isn't always bad as long as your responsible enough.
3.) I actually found similar answers from this interviewee. She decided to have a baby with her husband after they both finished college and had a stable income. She found support from family members as well which helped her a lot through her pregnancy. Though the situation is the complete opposite from the teen mother, what they did during pregnancy were similar. She researched everything she can about birth and even excersized. She barely felt sick, but mentioned about how emotional she was. She even cried at movies that she never cried at before her pregnancy. She also mentioned about feeling uncomfortable with looks from strangers. She's not a teen mother, but some strangers think she is from her appearance and she really didn't like that.
Pregnancy brings many emotional and physical problems. She had a lot of support which I found really important in times of pregnancy. Nine months with barely no support is most likely really overwhelming. I didn't get to find someone who went through birth with no support at all so it made me wonder how hard it must be in that kind of situation. She emphasized how glad she was her family and her husband was for their support.
I am curious to know more about the emotional and psychological aspect of birth. I'm curious if support from others affect people's decisions and feelings about birth.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
HW#35: Other People's Perspective 1
I was actually relieved at the answers I received from my interviewees. All five of them had a strong belief that birth is beautiful and natural. Though the process of birth can be painful or stressful, a baby is the start of a new life that should be treasured and loved. One respondent mentioned that, "We live in a culture that is silencing toward women's bodies, especially silencing of birth. Being able to birth where you want and with whoever you want is an essential facet of the struggle for reproductive rights." I can tell from those words that she is strongly dissatisfied at today's culture because birth is indeed, a right. Even if society views birth in a negative way, our strong beliefs that birth is beautiful still stays.
Another respondent mentioned that, "you never know how much of an impact the new born can have on the world." I found myself agreeing with this statement. Every individual, every life, can contribute to the world we live in-which just shows that birth is beautiful. The only difference in answers was about the controversy of abortion, which is understandable. One views that abortion is the killing of a life while those who are for it strongly said that the choice should be there. A respondent said that an abortion should be a choice if the pregnant woman has too many financial problems to even take care of a child. Either way, I can see that both sides have strong beliefs because they find value in what is best for the baby.
It is obvious from these answers that their dominant perspective on birth is the sacredness of a new life and the potential it brings to the world. Most of the respondents had a clear opinion on abortion which is a dominant controversy. Experience of seeing a baby and hearing about 'how cute we were when we were babies' from our parents affect the majority to feel a strong importance and beauty in a new life. Though our culture may be silencing our rights to birth, many women find that birth is a great thing. I think our history has also shaped our perception of beauty because women had fought for the rights of abortion and privacy. Perhaps that feeling of having strong beliefs in our rights is still existent.
Another respondent mentioned that, "you never know how much of an impact the new born can have on the world." I found myself agreeing with this statement. Every individual, every life, can contribute to the world we live in-which just shows that birth is beautiful. The only difference in answers was about the controversy of abortion, which is understandable. One views that abortion is the killing of a life while those who are for it strongly said that the choice should be there. A respondent said that an abortion should be a choice if the pregnant woman has too many financial problems to even take care of a child. Either way, I can see that both sides have strong beliefs because they find value in what is best for the baby.
It is obvious from these answers that their dominant perspective on birth is the sacredness of a new life and the potential it brings to the world. Most of the respondents had a clear opinion on abortion which is a dominant controversy. Experience of seeing a baby and hearing about 'how cute we were when we were babies' from our parents affect the majority to feel a strong importance and beauty in a new life. Though our culture may be silencing our rights to birth, many women find that birth is a great thing. I think our history has also shaped our perception of beauty because women had fought for the rights of abortion and privacy. Perhaps that feeling of having strong beliefs in our rights is still existent.
Monday, February 14, 2011
HW#34: Some Initial Thoughts on Birth
To me, birth is a very confusing topic. I assume that its only polite to say congratulations to a pregnant mother. I never questioned why though. I guess its because society as a whole assumes that birth is something that is worth celebrating since it is the day of a new life on earth. I remember my mother's co-worker who held a dinner party to celebrate her pregnancy, and later I got to hold her baby after she gave birth. I agree that birth is something worth celebrating, but how did it all start? How do other countries celebrate or think about birth? Are there countries that perhaps don't look forward to a new birth? My positive assumptions towards birth now seems to be affected by the general opinion of the public.
But, on the other hand teenage mothers always depict negative associations. I found out recently that a classmate from a school got pregnant and cannot wait to see the child she will soon give birth to. I felt really awkward. Why do we turn away from teenage mothers? Is it because we assume they cannot be responsible enough to take care of the living? But, regardless of age, isn't the love of a mother to a child the same? Or is it different? I don't know, but it's something worth thinking about. our perceptions and associations with different aspects of birth are deeply affected by social standards and the media. I wonder if this unit as well, will have surpring truths revealed and have new thoughts developed through this unit.
But, on the other hand teenage mothers always depict negative associations. I found out recently that a classmate from a school got pregnant and cannot wait to see the child she will soon give birth to. I felt really awkward. Why do we turn away from teenage mothers? Is it because we assume they cannot be responsible enough to take care of the living? But, regardless of age, isn't the love of a mother to a child the same? Or is it different? I don't know, but it's something worth thinking about. our perceptions and associations with different aspects of birth are deeply affected by social standards and the media. I wonder if this unit as well, will have surpring truths revealed and have new thoughts developed through this unit.
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