The Face of Birth

The Face of Birth was a fantastic documentary that examines the current situation surrounding maternity services in Australia, in the face of legislative changes that were enacted in 2010. This film challenges every health care worker, consumer and politician to assess the dire path maternity services are taking, and the consequences that increasing medicalised birth practices are having on women, their babies, and their families. Kate Gorman beautifully illustrates the vast difference in care between Australia, the UK and other first world countries, and highlights the need for evidence based practice and choice in maternity care to be available to all women in all areas of Australia. Particularly touching was how the film addressed Indigenous birth practices, both traditional practices and the unacceptable edict for women in rural and remote Australia today. I found this a joy to watch, with the broad range of experts and consumers of maternity services across the whole spectrum of models of care contributing to a balanced and accurate view of maternity services in Australia. This is a must-see for any pregnant woman, doctor, midwife, friend or relative of anyone who is pregnant or considering becoming pregnant.