Open AccessNative Childbirth in the Canadian North: Are Midwives the Answer?
Author(s) -
Jennifer Dawson
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of anthropology at mcmaster
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0707-3771
DOI - 10.15173/nexus.v11i1.138
Subject(s) - childbirth , argument (complex analysis) , subarctic climate , arctic , the arctic , nursing , medicine , psychology , political science , pregnancy , geography , oceanography , genetics , archaeology , geology , biology , ecology
Native women residing in the Subarctic and Arctic are currently struggling for the right to decide whether they will be hospitalized or have a midwife present for the birth of their children. The argument presented in this review paper outlines the cultural and clinical factors in favour of recognizing and legalizing traditional midwifery in the North and critically examines the statistical and safety concerns raised by those arguing against giving Northern Native women an alternative to evacuation from their home communities.