For me, it's not about the episiotomy, it's about the presumption that I didn't get a say in what happened to my body. I'm sure the OB thought it was all for the best. But that misses the point - it wasn't his decision to make.

Of course our perspectives are shaped by our own experiences - it is as it is with all things in life.

Maybe some women wouldn't mind handing themselves over to their carer or having them assume consent. That's their prerogative. I think what Rouge asks is would they be worse off if all health carers ensured all women gave informed consent? I'm not talking about episiotomies, I'm talking about everything from routine blood tests to post-natal care of your baby.