Dr. Susanrachel Condon on “Birthside Manner”: a Doctoral Research Project

This presentation will explore consent, autonomy, and body sovereignty in maternity care as Dr. Condon presents her doctoral research project: Birthside Manner. A persistent patriarchal approach to reproductive healthcare contributes to coercion and both verbal and physical obstetric violence. This is particularly true in populations experiencing health disparities, and those with low health literacy or language barriers. Patient-centered communication skills are rarely taught in didactic or clinical education; yet research has established these methods result in better clinical and psychosocial outcomes, improved satisfaction, and decreased likelihood of litigation. Decision-making during maternity care is highly complex.