Going into Labour: Childbirth in Capitalism

Former midwife and birth activist Fielder (sociology, Auckland Univ. of Technology) debuts with a compelling Marxist analysis of childbirth and reproductive rights. Her book explores how capitalist structures impact everything from birthing practices to the pay and working conditions in reproductive health care. She examines class, race, and labor dynamics in ways that bring new depth to familiar issues, shedding light on the broader economic forces that shape personal, bodily experiences. One of the book’s standout qualities is its skillful use of metaphors and similes, which make complex socioeconomic concepts accessible and deeply resonant. For example, the chapter “Stretch Marx” parallels the physical transformations of pregnancy with capitalist ownership; the play on “labor” as both childbirth and workforce add layers to the analysis. This approach creates a visceral impact, urging readers to consider the need for care and reform in reproductive health care.