Film Image
Born in Brazil
Cara Biasucci
2002
Color
52 minutes
Brazil
Brazilian Portugese
Portuguese with English Subtitles

Born in Brazil

The World Health Organization suggests a maximum cesarean rate of 15%. Although research shows the majority of Brazilian women prefer natural birth, statistics provide a different story --- 65% - 85% of all births in private Brazilian hospitals are by cesarean section. Many obstetricians attribute this to patient demand, when in fact the unnecessary surgery is more convenient and lucrative for doctors. BORN IN BRAZIL challenges the dominant cultural belief that surgical delivery is the modern, painless way to give birth, and that cesareans are what women want. BORN IN BRAZIL follows five pregnant women and their doctors in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Through interviews pre, during and post birth, the film explores the relationship between birth and technology, and the pressures of modern society. BORN IN BRAZIL provides critical insight on our desire to control the unpredictable by relying on calculated medical procedures.
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Reviews
"This excellent documentary...is a powerful, accessible, and gentle approach to pregnancy and childbirth that will be of interest to those who study women?s issues, sociology, parenting, medicine, South American culture, and the Portuguese language. Highly recommended for high school students, college students, adult viewers, and the libraries that serve them." - Sean Patrick Knowlton, Educational Media Reviews Online
"Cesarean birth rates in Brazil are more than double the numbers recommended by the World Health Organization... With U.S. cesarean rates also exceeding the who's recommendation, this film about birth practices in Brazil is relevant to North American audiences as well as our South American neighbors. Recommended for most health collections." - A. Cantu, Video Librarian
"BORN IN BRAZIL is an excellent documentary that shows how women?s lack of information, and health sectors? internal interests often, as in this case, undermine the interests of a woman and her children. This documentary reminds us of the need to place women?s reproductive health and rights issues, including the provision of quality care at the time of labor, foremost in the delivery of health-care services." - Center for Reproductive Rights, Center for Reproductive Rights
Awards

• LASA Award of Merit in Film, 2004
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