Born in the USA: How a Broken Maternity System Must Be Fixed to Put Women and Children First

Born in the USA examines the current state of maternity care in the United States through analysis of medical practices, hospital policies, and birth outcomes. Dr. Marsden Wagner, former director of Women's and Children's Health at the World Health Organization, presents research and case studies to evaluate the American approach to childbirth. The book documents specific medical interventions and procedures that have become routine in U.S. hospitals, comparing them with practices in other developed nations. Wagner explores the roles of doctors, midwives, hospitals, and insurance companies in shaping maternity care decisions and policies. The text includes statistics, medical studies, and first-hand accounts from healthcare providers and mothers to build its case about systemic issues in American maternal care. Wagner outlines potential reforms and alternative approaches that could improve outcomes for mothers and infants. Through its examination of birth practices and medical culture, the book raises fundamental questions about healthcare priorities and the intersection of medicine, money, and human rights in the United States. The work serves as both a critique of current systems and a blueprint for potential change.

Readers describe this as an evidence-based examination of maternity care problems in the US healthcare system. Medical professionals and expectant parents cite the book's detailed statistics and research citations as valuable references. Liked: - Clear explanations of medical interventions and their risks - International comparisons of birth outcomes - Specific recommendations for improvement - Personal stories that illustrate systemic issues Disliked: - Some found the tone overly negative toward obstetricians - A few readers wanted more practical advice for navigating the current system - Some sections repeat information Ratings: Goodreads: 4.27/5 (486 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (76 ratings) Notable reader comment: "This book should be required reading for anyone involved in maternity care. The statistics are eye-opening and concerning." - Goodreads reviewer Common criticism: "While the problems are well-documented, the proposed solutions feel unrealistic in our current healthcare environment." - Amazon reviewer

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🩺 Author Marsden Wagner served as Director of Women's and Children's Health for the World Health Organization for 15 years, giving him unique insight into maternal care practices worldwide. 👶 The U.S. has one of the highest cesarean section rates among developed nations—32.9% in 2009 when the book was published—despite WHO recommendations that rates should not exceed 10-15%. 💊 The book reveals that the majority of drugs commonly used in U.S. labor and delivery have never been approved by the FDA specifically for use during pregnancy. 🏥 Wagner documents how the U.S. spends more on maternity care than any other country but ranks behind 41 other nations in maternal mortality rates. 👩‍⚕️ The author compares the success of midwifery-based maternity care systems in countries like the Netherlands and Sweden with the physician-dominated system in the United States, showing significant differences in outcomes.