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Risky business: contested knowledge over safe birthing services for Aboriginal women

Kildea, Sue V. (2006). Risky business: contested knowledge over safe birthing services for Aboriginal women. Health Sociology Review,15(4):387-396.

Document type: Journal Article
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Title Risky business: contested knowledge over safe birthing services for Aboriginal women
Author Kildea, Sue V.
Journal Name Health Sociology Review
Publication Date 2006
Volume Number 15
Issue Number 4
ISSN 1446-1242   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Start Page 387
End Page 396
Total Pages 10
Place of Publication Australia
Publisher Routledge
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DEST)
Abstract Maternity services in Australia are becoming rationalised with contemporary, authoritative knowledge driving the provision of services under the premise that birth in larger regional and tertiary settings is the safest option.
There is increasing evidence that families who live in rural and remote areas are not satisfied with having to travel long distances and be absent from their homes for weeks at a time for childbirth. This is particularly problematic for remote dwelling Aboriginal women, with evidence suggesting current maternity services and relocation for birth are culturally, socially and emotionally unsatisfactory and unsafe.
The Indigenous knowledge around birthing that still exists in remote communities today, is not being acknowledged or incorporated into health service provision with the current 'risk equation' excluding the social, emotional and cultural risks that have been identified by the women themselves. Unlike the Inuit situation in Canada, which could provide leadership and advice for Australia, there has not been sufficient dialogue in Australia around the construction of risk and its importance in the birthing environment, particularly for Aboriginal women.
Keywords Sociology
Birth
Aboriginal
Risk
Safety
Authoritative knowledge
Inuit
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.5172/hesr.2006.15.4.387   (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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Created: Mon, 26 Nov 2007, 15:07:47 CST