The Business of Being Born turns society’s expectation of birth on its head by refuting the common belief that birth must be done in a hospital with an OB-GYN. Any industry knows that gaining new customers is the key to flourishing and the medical industry is no exception. The c-section epidemic in this country has become the poster child for a more fundamental issue in the birthing industry.

The DVD features talk show host Rikki Lake and renowned midwife Ina May Gaskin who shine a spotlight on the unfortunate state of childbirth in the United States today. The US has the second highest infant mortality rate in the world and the most medicalized birth process. As the film reveals, more interventions during birth bring more risks. The film uses facts and figures to back up their opinion that women are treated like a commodity in a hospital; to be serviced in the quickest manner and then sent on her way.

While the producers do the viewer a disservice by making such blanket statements that herald homebirths and demonize OB-GYNs as such a wide-range of experiences is possible, even in the hospital, the real message of the movie is one that all women in America should hear: play an active role in your child’s birth. According to the film, childbirth is an experience, not a medical emergency. After watching the videos of homebirths included in the film, you will surely see how powerful an experience it can be (and might even find yourself in tears). The film is truly convincing and well made, but one wonders if it is overly dramatized and exaggerated for shock value or really accurate. Either way, it is one strong view that many women hold and the general message is a good one. Overall, it is a strong case for women to empower themselves and take control of the most life-changing event of their life: the day they give birth. Pick up a copy here.