pp have given you some good sources for research. The main issues for him to understand is the effects different drugs can have on you and the baby. Rhea Dempsey's birth classes would be good for this. If he really can't support you, I recommend you having a doula. You need someone you can rely on to help you through. If he can't handle you being in pain, it becomes about what he can handle, not what you can handle.
:yeahthat: Totally agree. Rhea's class is really good at teaching this lesson, but I think she only offers it in Melbourne. You need to know that your partner can handle labour and birth, because if he can't, then you might as well sign up for those interventions.

And yes, the sports analogy is good -we don't offer pain killers to athletes whilst they're competing, we cheer them on. Your partner should be your cheerleader!