Birth Quote by Jennifer Block
““Today, what's normal is being redefined: from vaginal birth to surgical birth; from 'My water broke,' to 'Let's break your water;' from 'It's time' to 'It's time for the induction.' As medical anthropologist Robbie Davis-Floyd writes, 'in the early twenty-first century, we do not know what normal birth is.' Most practicing obstetricians have never witnessed an unplugged birth that wasn't an accident. Women are even beginning to deny normal birth to themselves: if 'normal' means being induced, immobilized by wires and tubes, sped up with drugs, all the while knowing that there's a good chance of surgery, well, might as well just cut to the chase, so to speak. 'Just give me a cesarean,' some are saying. And who can blame them? They want to avoid what they think of as normal birth.””
About This Quote
Source Article: The New York Times, “The Normalization of Induced Birth,” 2023
The definition of “normal” birth is shifting toward medical interventions, making natural births rare and misunderstood.
In simple terms: Normal birth is being redefined by medical practices.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and support natural birth options.
Themes
birth
medicine
culture
women's health
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- prenatal care
- birth planning
- patient education
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
medicalization
informed consent
autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does medical culture shape our perception of normal?
- What can be done to preserve natural birth knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Medical convenience may overlook individual risks and preferences.
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