Reproductive and Maternal Health in Anthropology

Abstract

In anthropology, the subject of maternal health is diffused within the broader areas of the anthropology of reproduction, fertility, and reproductive health. As a topic it is constituted by work at the intersections of anthropology, public health, feminist studies (covering topics on reproductive choice and autonomy, for instance), and development studies (with its focus on the issues of maternal and infant mortality). The citations presented here are grouped into six topic categories as linked to maternal health, each with further subtopics, on childbirth and maternal/reproductive health, fertility and infertility in maternal health, reproductive technologies and maternal health, family planning and maternal health, abortion, and maternal-health policy and human rights. The topics have been selected on the basis of historical work in these areas and in terms of new directions presented by more-recent work. Wherever possible, indigenous anthropological expertise stemming from local authors in the topic areas has been included.