ASPO/Lamaze philosophy of birth.

The philosophy of birth is printed below. The Board of Directors worked long and hard analyzing, synthesizing, and finally, articulating the essence of ASPO/Lamaze's belief about birth. We believe so strongly in the importance of birth as a life-enhancing event and in women's inherent ability to give birth, that we challenge the "current thinking" by stating that women have a right to give birth without routine medical intervention, and that birth can safely take place outside the hospital. WE are convinced that a birth environment that is safe, secure, and does not undermine in any way women's confidence--in a hospital, an alternate birth center, or at home--should be the standard. And we believe that childbirth education must empower women to make informed choices and to trust their inner wisdom. We have always believed these things, but I think we have lost sight of them--an easy thing to do in the high tech world of "new fashioned" birth! A position paper is being developed to provide the research support for our beliefs.

Our philosophy of birth gives direction for our work as an organization. The work of our childbirth educators, providers, and all those who support our beliefs, must be directed to insuring, through education, advocacy and reform, that this is the standard. My dream is that all of us will stand united, strongly articulating these beliefs in our own lives and professional practices. When women again trust their bodies, their inner wisdom, they will have the foundation necessary for making informed decision about pregnancy, birth and, ultimately, about parenting. --Judith Lothian was president of ASPO/Lamaze at the time; reprinted from Genesis, published by ASPO/Lamaze, January 1994.