Governing childbirth: the wider view

This paper seeks to 'problematize' the British government's wider intentions for public health, as they are shaped by free-market economics and technological medicine. A variety of epidemiological studies have revealed evidence of declining health among low socio-economic populations who are particularly affected by economic and social changes. The government is responding to the potential crisis by targeting specific groups of the most visible and costly victims of public ill-health. Recipients of health care with a lower public profile, such as pregnant women, are being subjected to the same policy. Current governmental strategies are regarded as an example of a medically oriented approach that focuses on special strategies for pregnancy and birth but ignores the long-term requirements for public health.