The Business of Being Born
Movie • 2008
ReportSynopsis
Director Abby Epstein's controversial documentary takes a hard look at America's maternity care system, juxtaposing hospital deliveries against the growing popularity of at-home, natural childbirths that some expectant parents are opting for. Former talk show host Ricki Lake was inspired to produce this compelling exposé after a dissatisfying birthing experience with her first child left her with many unanswered questions.
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Are there nude scenes?
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Lauryn
footage of women giving birth, not at all sexualized.
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Is there shaving/cutting?
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Professional scalpal cutting by a doctor is shown on screen.
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Is a baby stillborn?
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not shown but mentioned
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Does someone miscarry?
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Li1y3
Not shown but discussed possibility and previous statistics
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Does someone say "I'll kill myself"?
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)
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Is someone restrained?
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YES women in 1900s shown in photos and videos being strapped down to beds during labor.
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Does a pregnant person die?
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not shown but mentioned
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Does a parent die?
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mentions of death during childbirth
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Does the abused become the abuser?
National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233)
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Scapals
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Are there babies or unborn children?
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Not shown but mentioned
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Is there a hospital scene?
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Lauryn
several hospital scenes, the movie is about different types of births.
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Is there a shower scene?
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Lauryn
technically not shower scenes but there are scenes of women in birthing tubs, not sexual at all.
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Is the fourth wall broken?
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The interviewed guests face the camera to speak and sometimes its eye contact if that freaks you out.
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Does someone become unconscious?
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Lauryn
there’s footage of women pre and post c-section where they’re still unconscious from the surgery.
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Is there menstruation?
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Lauryn
I don’t remember exactly when but it is a movie about pregnancy and birth therefore there’s likely mentions of menstruation
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Are needles/syringes used?
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briefly seen during hospital scene
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Is someone stabbed?
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Li1y3
No but they are cut into professionally with a scalpal by a doctor.
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Does a kid die?
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Li1y3
No but infant death rate and possibilites are discussed.
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Is someone drugged?
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Li1y3
With and without consent in a professional setting with ivs and needles and current day and 1900s. They explain in the movie but yes it is discussed of women getting medicine they didnt want or agree to.
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Is someone's mouth covered?
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Li1y3
Breif description and I THINK a quick old black and white photo of womens mouth being covered in 1900s during labor.
Also covered with oxygen/medicine mask sometimes!
Also covered with oxygen/medicine mask sometimes!
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Does someone have a meltdown?
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Li1y3
Women are shown giving birth and going through extreme pain and emotions, some medticated and some not, all shown saying things like “please dont make me push” “help me” “go away!” Etc.
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Does someone die by suicide?
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)
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Is there screaming?
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footage of women screening during childbirth
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Is there blood/gore?
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BIRTH AND C SECTIONS
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Is there genital trauma/mutilation?
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Lauryn
it’s a documentary about birth and there is brief discussion of episiotomies, a procedure in which a women’s vagina is cut open to assist with birth, there’s also mentions of vaginal tearing.
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Is there excessive gore?
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Li1y3
Yes its birth lol there is blood and placentas and babies freshly born and unwashed, c sections shown! Its a little gorey. For a mature audience.
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Is there eye mutilation?
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Li1y3
No but it does show eyes being covered with a forced head wrap on 1900s laboring women.
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Does someone struggle to breathe?
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Li1y3
Women in labor breathing heavy and quickly.Some with oxygen mask.
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Are there incestuous relationships?
National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.4673
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Does someone attempt suicide?
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)
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Is there domestic violence?
National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233)
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