This article was fascinating. In dealing with Women's healthcare, this article expressed different ideas women had about child birth. My research deals with a mother's choice for her children under five years of age, but choices about the child's health start even before conception.
The part that intrigued me the most was the part that discussed the fact that women expect pregnancy and birth to be a time of joy and happiness. Although this is true, a lot of the time the complications that can arise are not mentioned. Fifty-three percent of births are not attended by a skilled professional. This is a huge concern for the whole country.
This study was done in Wiamoase, Ghana in the Salvation Army Clinic. In 2006 there were 411 births in the clinic. Only 15.5% of pregnant women in Wiamoase receive four or more prenatal. Many do not seek treatment until the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
COST BREAKDOWN (USD)
Calcium pills each visit $0.20
Multivitamins etc. each visit $.050
Ultrasound, blood-work etc. $6.00
Birth (3-stay visit) $10.00
-Women's role in Ghana is very centered on Motherhood. In fact, if a woman fails to produce posterity, her husband has the right to have another wife.
-Abortions are illegal.
-Women are motivated by their fears to have multiple children. They fear that if their only child dies there won't be anyone to take care of them. If children die, they feel a need to "replace" them. A family is Ghana ranges from about 3.4-6 depending on the region.
-Childbirth can be seen as dangerous in a clinical setting
-Clinics are viewed by some as a place to go for only illnesses. Pregnancy is not an illness so you go to a herbalist for treatment.
The article can be read here.
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