ABSTRACT

This chapter provides readers with the opportunity to scrutinise midwifery decision-making from a critical risk analysis perspective. It introduces drawing from the social theory of risk – particularly the seminal cultural theory of risk proposed by risk theorist Mary Douglas – the contestable nature of the meaning of risk in midwifery practice. The chapter describes the collision of two interpretations of risk and the impact these incompatible interpretations have on decision-making. It also describes the practice of two midwives – a community midwife and a consultant midwife – both working for a state-run maternity service in a high-income country where the maternity services are free at the point of access to all documented residents. The exploration of Josephine’s story revealed a tension within midwifery clinical decision-making. This tension arises out of the cultural context in which midwifery decision-making is suspended.