Women's health care: a new paradigm for the 21st century

Oppression based on gender exists in all aspects of women's lives and transcends contemporary cultures, economic systems, and even health care services. Radical feminism provides an alternative philosophic framework of health care that is based on a women-centered viewpoint, with the experiences of women as its unifying philosophy. Midwifery is a means to apply this new philosophic approach to the health care of women. A partnership between midwifery and feminist philosophy will allow women's voices to be heard, while guiding research in women's health care in new directions, and illuminating new approaches to current health problems. The new millennium provides an opportunity to explore an alternative framework and philosophy that will change the current paradigm of women's health care.