Literature review: The ‘logics’ of birth settings in Arctic Greenland

Objective

to review literature on the physical place of childbirth in Greenland between 1953 and 2001, using a narrative review theory and a content analysis framework, the paper seeks to describe and analyse the change in perinatal health care structure in Greenland.

Design

findings were discussed within the framework of Daviss' Logics bringing into account scientific, clinical, personal, cultural and intuitive logics as well as economic, legal and political ‘logics’ concerning perinatal health care policies.

Setting

the literature study concerns the place of birth in Greenland, a self-governing constituency of 57,000 people, the world's largest island and with a predominately Inuit population with its own language and culture. Inuit population with its own language and culture.

Findings

the place of birth in Greenland has changed and focus has moved from birth as a personal and community act to birth within the private and political arena. New policies and guidelines for pregnancy and childbearing decisions are seldom negotiated with the women, families and their communities.

Conclusions

policy changes have an influence on the social and cultural development of Greenland and it poses a challenge and a counter weight to the political and economic limitations that the government works within. Women and children are vulnerable groups and are directly affected by the changing perinatal health care and policy. It is important that when changing policy, the women and their families are part of the dialogue around change.