Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Environmental Analysis

Reader 1

Timothy Harshorn

Reader 2

Melissa Chadburn

Rights Information

Claire Kotapish

Abstract

There is a maternal health crisis in the U.S., with rising infant mortality rates and the highest maternal mortality rate compared to other high-income nations, at nearly 19 maternal deaths and 560 infant deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023 (CDC). Inequities arise across racial, economic, and regional inequalities. This thesis considers the significance of birth as a microcosmic event that both symbolically and explicitly reflects the birthing person’s broader positionality, including their access to autonomy, knowledge, and life itself. The first chapter argues that because the foundations of the biomedical model of birth are inherently patriarchal, racist, and colonialist, it is fundamentally inept at providing equitable care. Chapter two explores the midwifery model of care as an alternative approach, centering the role of traditional midwives in political resistance. As living archivists of traditional birth knowledge, primarily Black, Indigenous, and women of color provided indiscriminate birth support to members of their communities. Despite the professionalization and commodification of modern midwifery, community-based midwives have always championed the right of all people to access equitable healthcare. The third chapter will look at two case studies—The Roots Community Health Center and the Innulitsivik Health Centers—to investigate how different community-centered models of midwifery care can challenge the hegemony of biomedical reductionism. This thesis argues that by extending access to the holistic, person-centered, and culturally-oriented model of midwifery care, birth can instead empower women and birthing people, both in the birth room and beyond.

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This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

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