Partial Stories: Maternal Death from Six Angles

In Malawi, one in twelve women died from pregnancy or childbirth complications by the early twenty-first century. Claire L. Wendland's book Partial Stories examines explanations for maternal death, revealing how they reflect competing visions of the past and shared concerns about social change. She shows how efforts to legitimate a single story as the authoritative version can render care more dangerous.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

In the early twenty-first century, Malawi witnessed a tragic reality where approximately one woman in twelve faced the devastating consequence of a pregnancy or childbirth complication, marking a significant loss of life. These specific deaths became poignant object lessons, prompting a flurry of explanatory stories to circulate within hospitals and villages. These narratives were eagerly embraced by a diverse range of practitioners, including nurse-midwives, traditional birth attendants, doctors, epidemiologists, and herbalists. The questions that arose were profound: Was biology to blame? Was economic underdevelopment the culprit? Were immoral behaviors responsible? Or was tradition to blame? Did the deceased themselves bear any responsibility?

In her insightful book, Partial Stories, Claire L. Wendland delves into these explanations for maternal death, exploring how they reflect competing visions of the past and shared concerns about social change. Drawing on extensive fieldwork, Wendland unveils the intricate ways in which attempts to establish a single story as the authoritative version can inadvertently make care more perilous than it would otherwise be. It is important to note that historical, biological, technological, ethical, statistical, and political perspectives on death often circulate within distinct expert communities and different bodies of literature. In this book, Wendland brings these perspectives together, shedding light on the dilemmas of maternity care in contexts of acute change, chronic scarcity, and endemic inequity within Malawi and beyond.

The narratives surrounding maternal death in Malawi serve as a poignant reminder of the complex interplay of factors that contribute to these tragedies. They highlight the need for a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing these issues. By examining the historical, biological, technological, ethical, statistical, and political dimensions of maternal death, Wendland provides a rich tapestry of insights that can inform policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community members alike.

One of the key themes that emerges from Partial Stories is the importance of recognizing the diversity of perspectives and experiences within different communities. Wendland emphasizes the need to listen to the voices of those who have been marginalized or excluded from the mainstream discourse on maternal health. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women and girls in rural and underserved areas and develop more effective strategies for addressing their needs.

Another important aspect of Wendland's book is the exploration of the power dynamics that shape the narratives surrounding maternal death. She highlights how dominant narratives can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and biases, leading to discrimination and marginalization of certain groups. By challenging these narratives and promoting alternative perspectives, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society where all women and girls can receive the care they deserve.

Furthermore, Partial Stories sheds light on the complex relationship between technology and maternal health. Wendland argues that while technology can play a crucial role in improving healthcare outcomes, it is not a panacea. She cautions against the over-reliance on medical interventions and emphasizes the importance of holistic care that addresses the social, cultural, and economic factors that contribute to maternal mortality.

In conclusion, Claire L. Wendland's book Partial Stories is a valuable contribution to the field of maternal health. By examining the explanations for maternal death in Malawi and considering them in the broader context of medical knowledge, Wendland provides a nuanced and insightful analysis of the challenges faced by women and girls in this country. Through her extensive fieldwork and interdisciplinary approach, she offers valuable insights that can inform policy, practice, and advocacy efforts aimed at reducing maternal mortality and improving the health and well-being of women and girls in Malawi and beyond.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226816869