Explaining excessive rates of cesareans and other childbirth interventions: Contributions from contemporary theories of gender and psychosocial development

The current rate of cesarean sections in the U.S. is too high. Numerous mothers and babies are being placed at unnecessary risk of medical, behavioral and psychological complications. The problem has proven resistant to solution on a large scale, despite serious efforts on the part of a variety of individuals and groups. This paper considers reports on the interactions between obstetricians and mothers in labor in light of findings and theory in the areas of gender and psychosocial development. Examination of processes and standards of care in light of these findings and theory leads to the conclusion that the present model of obstetric services is consistent with a masculine style, and offers far less than optimal care for women. In fact, the gender-inappropriate elements of the model itself probably contribute to the excessive rates of interventions in labor. Social, political and historical factors are seen to support the obstetric model as is, leading to some pessimism about the possibility that the model could be modified sufficiently without major social change. The obstetric model is compared briefly with the more gender appropriate model of care provided by midwives.