Publication Date
Fall 2002
Abstract
Childbearing is an event in a woman's life that requires particular care. Especially in villages, Ghanaian women must choose between modern, traditional, and religious caregivers. The type of care they chose depends on what cultural and religious beliefs they hold. Because of Ghana's prenatal society, infertility is the most heartbreaking affliction that can befall a woman. Caregivers in Komenda offer remedies ranging from herbs to prayer to agreement with fertility gods. Information regarding family planning is not widespread throughout the country, which forces women to rely on unreliable natural practices. Because of the negative stigma attached to contraceptive use, many women use no form of birth control at all. When a woman becomes pregnant, she seeks antenatal care from someone she trusts. Many traditional and religious caregivers tell women to protect their pregnancy by praying. Hospitals have begun to play a larger role in Ghana's antenatal care with their lectures, examinations, and ignorance on the part of caregivers about the hospital's services hinder it's popularity with villagers.
Recommended Citation
Fischer, Michelle, "Childbearing in Ghana: How beliefs affect care" (2002). African Diaspora ISPs. 76.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/african_diaspora_isp/76