Independent Lens

Born in the USA (2x4)

Air date: Oct 23, 2000

Three out of every four Americans becomes a parent, yet most of us have never really considered what having a "normal" birth means. How much technology is appropriate for most women? Is the full range of safe options available, and to whom? How do we decide what is best for us? BORN IN THE U.S.A. explores the landscape of current maternity care through the eyes of three caregivers: an obstetrician working at a teaching hospital, a licensed midwife attending home births, and a certified nurse-midwife bridging both worlds in an urban, out-of-hospital birth center. This provocative film raises questions about technology, safety, quality of care, and current childbirth practices in America.