Women's Decision-Making And Factors Affecting Their Choice Of ...

Chapter 7: Discussion
The thesis explored women's perceptions of the childbirth process, and
factors influencing their choice of place of delivery. It considered that one of the
reasons women plan different venues for childbirth might be explained by their
different perceptions of risk as related to childbirth. In chapter 1, the thesis tried
to understand the present situation of place of birth in the United Kingdom, by
looking at the events that led to it. For that reason, it traced the movement of the
place of birth from the woman's own home to the hospital. History of place of
birth identified government policy, which was influenced by the opinion of the
medical establishment (Ministry of Health 1959; Department of Health and Social
Security 1970; House of Commons Social Services Committee 1980), as having
contributed to the move. The main argument for the government policy of
encouraging hospital birth was that the hospital was safer compared to the home.
However, the policy recommendations for hospital deliveries were made with no
supporting statistical evidence for the allegations of safety, and, the policy was
therefore questioned (Campbell and Macfarlane 1994; Russell 1982; Tew 1977;
Tew 1978; Tew 1985; Tew 1990). However, it could be argued that government
policy of hospital birth for all women might have left many women thinking that
home was a risky place to give birth, while hospital was safe, and that is why they
were being encouraged to go to the hospital.
The debate about the safest place of birth intensified with time
(Chamberlain 2000; Chamberlain et al 1997; Cole and Macfarlane 1995; Draper
1997; Drife 2000; Education and Debate 1996; Jowitt 1998; Macfarlane et al
2000; Settatree 1996; Springer and van Weel 1996; Young and Hey 2000;
Alibahi-Brown 1999; Newburn 1999; Rakshit 1997; Rogers 1998; Young 1999).
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