How is maternal responsibility constructed through health information and practice?

Abstract

The research findings presented in this paper examine how maternal responsibility for child health is constructed and perpetuated in information and practice related to reproductive health. The research involves an analysis of health promotion resources, medical texts and participant narratives. The narratives emerged during interviews with seven health professionals and 28 women who mother children born with health problems. The findings highlight the consistent representation of women as individuals who have the ability to control child health outcomes regardless of social or environmental constraints. Reproduction is also constructed as a process that primarily (or solely) involves the bodies and behaviours of women. This largely excludes men from reproductive experiences, while also, implicitly, locating women in an isolated position of responsibility for child and reproductive health. The implications of these representations are explored throughout the paper along with consideration of strategies to promote better health outcomes.