Birth and Religion in the U.S.

Catalog description

Are conception, pregnancy, labor, and delivery of a baby a sacred season of spiritual growth? A religious blessing from God? A painful and dangerous set of medical conditions requiring expertise and technological monitoring? This course explores the intersections of religion, medicine, and maternity in American history and culture. Students learn how diverse religious beliefs and practices concerning pregnancy, birth, and the meaning of motherhood changed along with the development of modern Western medical care and technologies. This course contextualizes how scientifically based medical care, popular attitudes, and laws surrounding birthing were informed by religious norms and activism.