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The way women have babies explored in film

Bermuda is to have a special, sneak preview of the film, 'The Business of Being Born', thanks to the Menelik Foundation and Citizens for Better Birth, who are co-sponsoring the benefit screening. Directed by Abby Epstein and executive produced by Ricki Lake, the documentary will be shown at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute auditorium at 7 p.m. on January 21.

In 2001, actress Ricki Lake gave birth to her second child with the assistance of a midwife in her home bathtub. She made the choice for a home birth after she experienced unwanted medical interventions while delivering her first child at a hospital birthing centre. Ms Lake succeeded in giving birth on her own terms, and the experience was so unexpectedly empowering and life-changing that she felt every woman should know what they could be missing out on.

Ms Lake approached filmmaker Abby Epstein to collaborate on a film which would examine birth culture in America, and ask questions about the way American women have babies.

Footage of women having babies punctuates 'The Business of Being Born'. Each experience is unique; all are equally beautiful and equally surprising. Giving birth is clearly the most physically challenging event these women have ever gone through, but it is also the most emotionally rewarding.

Along the way, director Epstein conducts interviews with a number of obstetricians, experts and advocates about the history, culture and economics of childbirth. The film's fundamental question is: Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potential medical emergency?

As Ms Epstein uncovers some surprising answers, her own pregnancy adds a very personal dimension to 'The Business of Being Born', a must-see movie for anyone even thinking about having a baby.

The film premièred at New York's Tribeca Film Festival, and is due to be released in select theatres this month. It will then be available on Netflix in February.

The filmmakers are permitting the Bermuda screening to help raise awareness on the topic of childbirth, and support birth organisations at the local level.

Tickets are $15 in advance (telephone the Health Co-op at 236-0336) or $20 at the door. All proceeds from the Bermuda screening will benefit Citizens for Better Birth.

For further information see websites www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com or www.healthcoop.bm.