Bulletin #97: Birthing under capitalism, healing under sanctions
This fortnight
Capitalism permeates every aspect of society, including childbirth – yet Marxist analyses of the social relations shaping birth today remain rare. We spoke with sociologist Anna Fielder, author of Going Into Labour, about birthing conditions in modern healthcare systems and the struggles to improve them.
New testimonies on the imprisonment of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and other Palestinian health workers reaffirm the urgent need to stop the genocide in Gaza. After weeks of depriving the enclave of basic necessities, Israeli occupation forces have relaunched a full-scale assault, making solidarity with health workers more critical than ever.
In Cuba, healthcare operates in stark contrast to the US model. Despite decades of illegal US sanctions, Cuban health authorities have built a system rooted in self-sufficiency, innovation, and, crucially, international solidarity. Meanwhile, in the US, the nomination of Dr. Mehmet Oz to a key health administration role signals further restrictions on healthcare access.
Ensuring equitable healthcare also requires fair medicine distribution. Yet in profit-driven systems, Big Pharma dictates the rules – endangering both human and environmental health. Recent lobbying to weaken environmental standards in Europe underscores the urgent need to build a Public Pharma system that prioritizes people over profit.
Interview
Childbirth under capitalism
Author Anna Fielder discusses her book “Going Into Labour” and explores how capitalism shapes the experience and practice of childbirth
Featured articles
“A person creates history, and history is built upon the stands one takes”: Dr. Abu Safiya says from prison
Despite being interrogated for 13 consecutive days, and subjected to brutal torture and abuse, a Palestinian lawyer confirmed that Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya has kept his morale high
Healthcare in Cuba: How a tiny island defies US sanctions to lead in healthcare
Despite decades of US sanctions, Cuba remains a leader in medical innovation and international health solidarity
Is Big Pharma’s pollution deregulation campaign fueling the next pandemic?
Big Pharma keeps pushing for weaker pollution standards despite proven risks to human and environmental health
Dr. Oz’s nomination fuels fears for crucial health programs
Health activists are raising the alarm over further privatization of US healthcare as Dr. Mehmet Oz seeks top role overseeing Medicare and Medicaid
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Baba Aye