Ethnic differences in midwife-attended US births

This study examined US ethnic differences in midwifery care from 1982 through 1989. After adjustment for maternal characteristics, Native American mothers were most likely, and White and Asian mothers were least likely, to obtain midwifery care. For these three groups, midwifery use increased rapidly in the period from 1982 through 1989. Compared with White mothers, Black and Hispanic mothers were more likely to be attended by a midwife; however, their use of midwives increased more slowly. Though the local availability of obstetricians and midwives may determine a woman's choice of care provider, these data suggest that cultural factors also play a role.