The purpose of our study was to investigate the current literature surrounding birth methods and outcomes. This study compared the medical outcomes across different birth plans including physician-assisted in-hospital births, midwife-assisted births, and home births. The differences found among birth plans vary in risk profile across race and ethnicity. The studies used suggest non-white persons disproportionately experience birth complications, while their white counterparts are more likely to utilize midwife services and have lower rates of poor outcomes. This distinction can be due to the socioeconomic disadvantages met within gynecological resources available for persons of color, in addition to the financial burden associated with creating a birth plan. These facts are for research purposes only, and are not to advocate for or against different birthing methods
