Overview
How quickly and in what ways are the US maternity care practices changing due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Data indicates that partners and doulas are being excluded from birthing rooms leaving mothers unsupported, while providers face a lack of protective equipment and unclear guidelines. Researchers investigated rapidly shifting protocols for in- and out-of-hospital births and the decision making behind them – and ask, will COVID-19 cause women, families, and providers to look at birthing in a different light? And will this pandemic offer a testing ground for future policy changes to generate effective maternity care amidst pandemics and other types of disasters?
Authors: Davis-Floyd, R., Gutschow, K., & Schwartz, D. A.
Publication Date: May 14, 2020
DOI: 10.1080/01459740.2020.1761804