ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 begins by tracing the historical roots of freebirth in the United States (US). We highlight key women whose writings have provided road maps and encouragement to freebirthers and other women seeking answers about autonomy in birth. Next, we draw on our research to examine the reasons women pursue freebirth, particularly the factors that push women into opting out of the maternity care system. We discuss the issue of black women seeking freebirth as a response to racial discrimination and high maternal mortality in the US. Finally, we make recommendations for improving the state of maternity care based on the lessons from freebirth.
