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Defining reducible risk

Social dimensions of assessing birth technologies

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Abstract

In maternity care, costly high-technology interventions that have never been shown to be clinically effective continue to be used in the United States, while inexpensive and effective low-technology interventions continue to be underused. Three high-technology approaches to risk reduction—electronic fetal monitoring, cesarean section, and home uterine activity monitoring are contrasted with three low-technology approaches—prenatal care, smoking cessation, and nutrition supplementation. These technologies are examined in terms of current controversies over their safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. Examination of these controversies illustrates how the medical technology industry, the regulatory process, and systems of social stratification contribute to social and cultural constructions of what are regarded as reducible birth risks.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Education, Temple University, 304 Seltzer Hall, 19122, Philadelphia, PA

    Sheryl Burt Ruzek

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  1. Sheryl Burt Ruzek
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Sheryl Burt Ruzek, Ph.D., M.P.H., is a professor of health education at Temple University, Philadelphia. She is the author of books and articles on women’s health issues and medical technologies. In addition to serving on the U.S. FDA’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Devices Panel and the Philadelphia Health Department Maternal and Infant Health Advisory Council, she edits theHealth, Society and Policy Series (with Irving Zola) for Temple University Press.

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Ruzek, S.B. Defining reducible risk. Human Nature 4, 383–408 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02692248

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