The Business of Being Born

Birth: it's a miracle. A rite of passage. A natural part of life. But more than anything , birth is a business. Compelled to find answers after a disappointing birth ...

This documentary, directed by Abby Epstein, examines the ways that the American health care system approaches childbirth. The traditional form of U.S. birth involves hospitals, drugs and obstetricians, while births in many other countries utilize midwives. Interviews with parents and medical experts explain the realities of maternity care. When Epstein discovers that she is pregnant herself, the discussion becomes less theoretical, as she must decide which form of birthing she will employ.