Which of the following does the author use to support the belief that childbirth is not dangerous?
the Merriam-Webster definition of the term "midwife"
a well-known quote from an author and birth photographer
the details about childbirth practices in a major hospital
a description of the training midwives go through

Question

Which of the following does the author use to support the belief that childbirth is not dangerous?
the Merriam-Webster definition of the term "midwife"
a well-known quote from an author and birth photographer
the details about childbirth practices in a major hospital
a description of the training midwives go through

anonymous · Answer

The Role of the Midwife

     When we think about childbirth, we tend to picture a doctor and a staff of nurses in a hospital. However, there are other ways to give birth. In fact, in many countries, most births are not attended by doctors at all. Instead, many births are attended by midwives.
     The term "midwife" is somewhat mysterious. Some people hear "midwife" and think of a time before modern hospitals existed. Other people picture a woman who uses folk wisdom rather than medicine. The Merriam-Webster dictionary offers little help. It defines the term "midwife" simply as "a person who assists women in childbirth."
     All of these ideas and definitions fall short. They fail to take into account the fact that many modern midwives are highly skilled. In fact, earning a midwife degree can take up to three years. Moreover, some midwives aren't even female! More and more men are undergoing midwife training every day.
     Another untrue belief about midwives is that they are not as safe to use as doctors. The truth is that midwives can offer most of the same medicines that doctors do. Many of them even work within the hospital system. It is also important to remember that childbirth is only dangerous in certain cases. There is a famous quote by birth photographer and author Harriette Hartigan. It goes, "Birth is as safe as life gets." The quote means that birth is a natural process. This process does not need help from modern medical practices. It will happen on its own.
     Births attended by midwives are becoming increasingly popular in the US. According to the Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health, the proportion of births attended by midwives in the US reached an all-time high of 8.1 percent in 2009. Someday, perhaps, Americans will treat midwives with the respect they deserve.