The Business of Being Born 2008
"In America today, birth is a billion dollar business. But who is really benefiting?"
Directed by Abby Epstein and fronted by activist and actress Ricki Lake, *The Business of Being Born* (2008) peels back the curtain on America's maternity care system to reveal a high-stakes industry where profit often overshadowes wellbeing.
Director: Abby Epstein
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Business of Being Born (2008) about?
This documentary uncovers the complexities of childbirth in America, where medical interventions and corporate interests often shape the experience over personal choice. Through personal stories and expert insights, it contrasts traditional hospital births with midwifery-led alternatives, questioning the financial and emotional trade-offs in modern maternity care.
Who directed The Business of Being Born?
Abby Epstein directed *The Business of Being Born*, bringing a filmmaker's eye to this deeply personal exploration of birth culture in America.
Who stars in The Business of Being Born?
The documentary features Abby Epstein, Ina May Gaskin, Ricki Lake, Julia Barnett, and Tina Cassidy among its key contributors.
Is The Business of Being Born (2008) worth watching?
*The Business of Being Born* is a compelling and thought-provoking film for anyone interested in healthcare, women's rights, or the birthing process. While it doesn't have an IMDb rating, its impactful storytelling and eye-opening revelations make it a standout in the documentary genre.
How long is The Business of Being Born?
The runtime of *The Business of Being Born* is 87 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
The Business of Being Born (2008) — A Revelatory Look at America's Maternity Care System
Directed by Abby Epstein and fronted by activist and actress Ricki Lake, *The Business of Being Born* (2008) peels back the curtain on America's maternity care system to reveal a high-stakes industry where profit often overshadowes wellbeing. This eye-opening documentary blends intimate personal stories with sharp investigative journalism, exploring the emotional and financial realities of childbirth in a country where medical interventions and hospital protocols can feel more like corporate protocols. Through the lens of Lake's own transformative journey, the film contrasts the clinical, profit-driven approach to birth with the empowering, woman-centered philosophy of midwifery and natural birth advocates like Ina May Gaskin.
With a tone that's both urgent and compassionate, *The Business of Being Born* invites audiences to question who truly benefits from the billion-dollar maternity care system—mothers, babies, or the institutions that shape their experiences. The documentary balances raw human drama with hard-hitting facts, creating an atmosphere that's equal parts informative and galvanizing. It's a must-watch for expectant parents, healthcare professionals, and anyone invested in the future of family-centered care.