I think there is a place for inductions (i had one at 10 days overdue due to very low fluid levels), i also think there is a place for c/sections, and pain relief.

But i think the above things (maybe not pain relief, that is a personal call that should be decided by the woman), should be dictated by medical necessity, not convience, and like all medical procedures, people should be aware of the risks involved and the likely outcomes henceforth.

I agree with what you are saying Bath, that let nature take its course before you try and fix it.. and i'm sure everyone here agrees that they would ultilize a western medical approach where it is a genuine medical necessity, just like they would take their pets to the vet...

What concerns me is the lack of education people have about the outcomes and risks of intervention.. and at the end of the day if they weigh it up and say they are prepared to have a intervention (even for convience), than that is their choice, and we all take our own risks (i.e. not exercising, smoking etc)... But that people aren't aware of the risks is what bothers me more.

This also seemed obvious to me, the whole pattern of increasing intervention, but i guess the larger picture only becomes clear when you research into the broader scope of birth and interventions in general.