[A socio-historical approach to the evolution of childbirth assistance in a medium-sized city in Minas Gerais (1960-2001)].

The historical sequence of the evolution of the choice of birth delivery (normal, cesarean section, and forceps) between 1960 and 2001 was evaluated using data from the three oldest maternity hospitals affiliated to the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) in the city of Juiz de Fora, Brazil. The so-called serial history method enables comparisons of historical events over a given time period. Greater incorporation of technology and an increase in cesarean sections were detected prior to 1998, when administrative ruling No. 2816 was proposed by the Ministry of Health, which reversed the trend back to normal birth deliveries. The form of delivery was also associated with the admission category, which points to a decidedly political discussion about social inequalities that are interrelated with diverse variables including gender and social class. Understanding inequalities and discussing their more difficult ramifications, with respect to morbidity, mortality, and unequal standards of care, are preconditions to finding solutions to these ubiquitous problems.