The Frustrating Failures of the Traditional Medical Model
Pregnancy should be a journey filled with compassionate care, support, and empowerment.
Yet, the reality for many pregnant people today is starkly different.
The traditional medical model, which dominates much of our healthcare system, too often fails to meet the holistic needs of those expecting a child.
In my work with parents-to-be, I repeatedly see the consequences of a system that is far too rigid, medically centered, and, at times, dismissive of individuals’ unique experiences and choices.
A System Built for Efficiency, Not Individuality
The traditional medical model of care emphasizes efficiency, risk management, and medical authority. These principles make sense when it comes to acute care or surgical procedures. But pregnancy is not an illness, and the “one-size-fits-all” approach falls short in honoring the personal, cultural, and emotional dimensions of pregnancy and birth. Each pregnancy journey is unique, and cookie-cutter care often leads to unnecessary stress, anxiety, and a sense of disempowerment for the expecting person.
In a field as personal as childbirth, every family deserves individualized care, respect, and time. Unfortunately, too many prenatal visits feel rushed, checklists are prioritized over real conversations, and the result is often a feeling of “being a number” rather than an individual. This approach stifles informed choice and leaves many parents-to-be feeling alienated and unsure of their voices in the process.
Informed Decision-Making: Not Given the Time or Attention It Deserves
Informed decision-making is a cornerstone of respectful, person-centered care, yet it is frequently undermined in the traditional model. All too often, decisions are made for pregnant people rather than with them, and vital information is not fully communicated. Providers may downplay alternatives, ignore non-medical preferences, or even employ scare tactics to steer patients toward particular interventions.
The lack of time spent discussing options leaves patients with a narrow view of what is possible. Simple choices—like birthing positions, pain management options, and even timing of interventions—are frequently not even mentioned. Without comprehensive discussions, families are left with only part of the picture, often feeling pressured into accepting a “standard” approach that may not align with their values or wishes.
Undermining Bodily Autonomy
There is an unfortunate power imbalance in traditional medical care, which can have especially damaging effects in pregnancy and labor. Medical authority often overpowers the autonomy of the birthing person, creating an atmosphere where parents may feel uncomfortable or even afraid to question their provider’s recommendations. Statements like “I’ll let you” or “you have to” come from a place of power, subtly reinforcing the notion that the doctor knows best and that the patient’s role is simply to comply.
This mindset not only disempowers the person giving birth but can lead to traumatic experiences. Medical coercion—whether intentional or not—creates a cycle of distrust. People remember these experiences for years, often with lingering emotional impact, making it all the more critical to shift the focus toward supporting informed, autonomous decision-making.
Ignoring Emotional and Mental Health Needs
In the medical model, the physical aspects of pregnancy are often prioritized over the emotional and mental health needs of the pregnant person. Yes, physical well-being is crucial, but the journey of pregnancy and birth also involves profound emotional changes and challenges. The failure to acknowledge and address these needs leaves many feeling unsupported in one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
The emphasis on clinical outcomes can lead to the dismissal of birth as an emotionally significant event. For some families, this experience can feel hollow, or worse, like a violation of their expectations and dreams for a fulfilling and transformative birth.
Lack of Holistic and Preventive Care
Pregnancy care in the traditional model tends to focus on detecting and managing risks rather than preventing them. Little attention is given to nutrition, mental well-being, stress management, and other lifestyle factors that support a healthy pregnancy. Many birthing families seek out alternative providers, such as doulas, midwives, and childbirth educators, to receive the holistic care and guidance they find lacking within the medical model. It’s disappointing that so many people have to look outside the system for the compassionate, individualized support they need.
What Needs to Change?
The traditional medical model has its place, especially for high-risk pregnancies or medical complications. However, low-risk pregnancies and natural births do not always need to fit within this same framework. As a culture, we need to embrace a more holistic, patient-centered model that honors autonomy, communication, and comprehensive care.
Informed Decision-Making: Pregnant people need full access to information about their options and time to process it, without pressure or scare tactics.
Collaborative Care Models: We need a balance of medical and holistic approaches that empower parents and center the birthing person in every decision.
Respecting Bodily Autonomy: True respect for autonomy means creating space for people to express their needs, preferences, and even their fears.
Prioritizing Mental and Emotional Health: Pregnancy and childbirth should be seen as complete experiences involving the body, mind, and emotions.
We NEED a shift toward a more empowering, informed, and individualized approach to maternity care. Every pregnant person deserves to be seen, heard, and respected throughout their journey. Changing the medical model is a tall order, but by raising awareness, sharing stories, and advocating for patient rights, we can work toward a system that genuinely serves the needs of pregnant people and their families.
This is a call for compassion, respect, and true autonomy in maternity care. It’s time to reimagine how we support those who bring life into the world—and give them the dignity and care they deserve every step of the way.
