VOICEs · Controversies in Childbirth: from Epistemology to Practices

Controversies in Childbirth: from Epistemology to Practices

WHAT IS THE ISSUE BEING ADDRESSED? The project “Controversies in Childbirth: from Epistemology to Practices (VOICEs)” addresses some current debates on birth from engaged philosophy and medical humanities. It applies the epistemological view of controversies to the values embedded in decision-making in the field aiming at developing a particular section of values-based practice to be used in a variety of clinical contexts around childbirth. VOICEs is directed to individuals and organizations representing the three key stakeholder groups involved: users, professionals, and policymakers. Most current obstetric debates should be seen as controversies in the following technical sense: they reflect deep disagreements in factual, methodological, or conceptual matters. Interpreting obstetric debates as controversies is a key element in changing medical practices. VOICEs will advance scientific knowledge in this area using the realist research frameworks of situated epistemology and values-based practice of what works, for whom, and in what circumstances. The project searches for applied and measurable consequences of critical epistemology on childbirth. The research assesses the emancipatory interest displayed in obstetric controversies. Understanding the epistemic basis of emancipatory action is the core motivation of this proposal. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR SOCIETY? Birth is not just the delivery of a baby. It is a major emotional, conceptual and social life transition for a woman and for a couple. Obstetrics and midwifery are challenged to take women’s voices on childbirth more seriously. Many women throughout Europe are demanding less medicalised care in childbirth that makes fuller use of midwifery skills. Other women request elective caesareans for non-medical reasons. This project addresses the multiplicity of voices on childbirth, their autonomy and agency; as shown in its acronym, ‘VOICEs’. WHAT ARE THE OVERALL OBJECTIVES? 1. To epistemically analyse debates on childbirth. While most analyses of childbirth are conducted in sociology, anthropology, politics and feminism, there has been very little research from an epistemic perspective. VOICEs will benefit from the epistemic theory of controversies, as an innovative perspective that will disclose the evaluative content of debates on childbirth. 2. To collaborate to develop and launch a values-based practice in childbirth. While values-based medical practice (VBP, henceforth) has already been advanced in mental health, social care and surgery, there is a notable deficiency of VBP in obstetrics and midwifery. VOICEs will work with the VBP team to expand current initiatives in VBP to childbirth care. 3. To incorporate birth to the repertoire of philosophically relevant topics. While there are some publications on the philosophy of birth, they typically tend to focus on ethics or phenomenology. VOICEs will tackle a broader inquiry to illustrate the epistemic nature of emancipatory action around childbirth.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз