Systemic pressures in English maternity care erode patient autonomy, report finds
Original framing: “Women feel coerced during maternity care in England, charity says” — The Guardian - World
Historically, medical paternalism has shaped Western maternity care, with a shift from midwife-led to physician-led models in the 20th century. This shift was driven by industrialization and the medicalization of birth, which prioritized efficiency over patient experience.
The systemic pressures in English maternity care are rooted in historical medical paternalism, institutional underfunding, and a lack of cultural and spiritual integration.
Indigenous and non-Western models offer alternative frameworks that prioritize community, consent, and holistic care. To address these issues, a multi-pronged approach is needed: increasing funding, implementing patient-centered models, and integrating cultural and spiritual perspectives. By learning from global practices and centering marginalized voices, England can move toward a more equitable and empowering maternity care system.