The Rhetoric of Midwifery: Gender, Knowledge, and Power

by Mary M. Lay

What roles should midwives play within our healthcare system? Must they have certified degrees and be under the jurisdiction of a professional board? Do notions of gender create competition and erect barriers between the medical professions? The Rhetoric of Midwifery offers new insights into understanding these questions within the context of our present-day medical system. As a point of departure, Mary M. Lay analyzes the public discussion over non-academically trained-or direct-entry-midwives within Minnesota. From 1991-1995, that state held public hearings about the possible licensing of traditional midwives. Lay focuses on these debates to examine the complex relationships of power, knowledge, and gender within the medical profession. Lay examines the hearings and provides a framework for appreciating the significance of these debates. She also details the history of midwifery, highlighting ongoing concerns that have surfaced ever since the profession was created, centuries ago. In the remaining chapters, she focuses on the key testimonies offered during the debates. Capturing the actual testimony of midwives, home-birth parents, nurses, physicians, and attorneys, The Rhetoric of Midwifery reveals how the modern medical profession seeks to claim authority about birth. Lay bolsters her argument by culling from such sources such as historical documents, an internet discussion group, and conversations with modern midwives As our medical healthcare system continues to undergo convulsive change, The Rhetoric of Midwifery will continue to enlighten, challenge, and inform.

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Chris Friend · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and interesting take on an easy-to-overlook pivotal moment in the history of a typically underground profession. Really good at generating perspective. Weakness: quite repetitive and needlessly wordy at times; seemed the author took a set amount of info and tried desperately to stretch it to fill more pages. Worth reading…quickly.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Besides the absurd definition of a "hep-lock" in the glossary, this book was very well researched. Fascinating and in-depth analysis of direct-entry midwives in Minnesota seeking recognition and licensure for their profession. I enjoyed trying to figure out the real identities of the midwives behind the pseudonyms used in the book.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dry at times, but really interesting to see how each side (medical doctors/midwives) constructed their view of what childbirth should be.