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Consequences of birth policies and practices in post-reform China

Harris, A., Gao, Yu, Barclay, Lesley, Belton, Suzanne, Yue, Z., Min, H., Auqun, X., Hua, L. and Yun, Z. (2007). Consequences of birth policies and practices in post-reform China. Reproductive Health Matters,15(30):114-124.

Document type: Journal Article
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IRMA ID 81700905xPUB1
Title Consequences of birth policies and practices in post-reform China
Author Harris, A.
Gao, Yu
Barclay, Lesley
Belton, Suzanne
Yue, Z.
Min, H.
Auqun, X.
Hua, L.
Yun, Z.
Journal Name Reproductive Health Matters
Publication Date 2007
Volume Number 15
Issue Number 30
ISSN 0968-8080   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Start Page 114
End Page 124
Total Pages 11
Place of Publication UK
Publisher Elsevier
Field of Research 1114 - Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
1117 - Public Health and Health Services
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DEST)
Abstract This paper comments on the provision of birthing services in Sichuan and Shanxi Provinces in China within a policy context. The goal was to understand possible unintended and harmful health outcomes for women in the light of international evidence, to better inform practice and policy development Data were collected from October 2005 to April 2007 in 25 hospitals across 13 counties and one city Normal and caesarean birth records were audited, observations made of facilities and interviews conducted with officials, administrators, health workers, women who delivered in hospital facilities and women who delivered at home. We argue that in the context of a neo-liberal health economy with poorly developed government regulatory policies, those with the power to pay for maternity care may be vulnerable to a new range of risks to their health from those positioned to make a profit. While poor communities may lack access to basic services, wealthier socio-economic groups may risk an increase in maternal morbidity and mortality through the overuse of avoidable intervention. We recommend a stronger evidence base for hospital maternity services and changes to the role of the State in countering systemic problems..
Keywords antenatal care
childbirth
maternal mortality and morbidity
health policy
socio-economic status
China
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0968-8080(07)30315-7   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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