Transformations in maternity services in Jamaica

Analysis of the current organization and delivery of maternity care in Jamaica profits not only from an assessment of recent health issues but from consideration of the development of maternity services over the past century. Historical analysis indicates that a critical element in public health policy has been the effort to encourage use of biomedical obstetrical care and to eliminate the lay midwife. However, while women increasingly patronize hospitals, the delivery of services has deteriorated, resulting in widespread client dissatisfaction. Economic contingencies have contributed to the decline in maternity services, but health personnel manifest the ideology prevalent throughout the colonial era equating social irresponsibility with health complications. The cultural construction of illegitimacy and maternity is shown to be a dimension of class relations having an impact on health policy throughout Jamaica's history.