# Medicalization of Birth \& Death **URL:** **By** Lauren K. Hall, Aaron Ross Powell, Trevor Burrus **Published:** February 21, 2020 --- Lauren K. Hall joins the show today to argue that medicalization reduces competition, stifles innovation, and prevents individuals from accessing the most appropriate care during their most vulnerable moments. Over a century ago most Americans gave birth and died at home, with minimal medical intervention. But today, most Americans today begin and end their lives in hospitals. Over time policies have forced people away from community-based providers, like birth centers, and toward more costly care in fully-equipped hospitals. Lauren K. Hall joins the show today to talk about the medicalization of birth and death. Has our health care system gone too far? Do we receive too much care? What is the purpose of hospitals? Do we standardize health care too much? ## Further Reading: [The Medicalization of Birth and Death](https://jhupbooks.press.jhu.edu/title/medicalization-birth-and-death), written by Lauren K. Hall [Hill-Burton Act](https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/10/02/495775518/a-bygone-era-when-bipartisanship-led-to-health-care-transformation) [What to Expect when You're Expecting: Laws, Regulations, and Government Interference](https://fee.org/articles/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-laws-regulations-and-government-interference/), written by Lauren K. Hall ## Related Content: [A Better Choice: Healthcare Solutions for America](https://www.libertarianism.org/podcasts/free-thoughts/a-better-choice-healthcare-solutions-for-america), Free Thoughts Podcast [How to Fix Health Care](https://www.libertarianism.org/podcasts/free-thoughts/how-to-fix-health-care), Free Thoughts Podcast [The Best Work/Family Arrangements Come from Families, Not Governments](https://www.libertarianism.org/columns/best-workfamily-arrangements-come-families-not-governments), written by Steven Horwitz