This paper review the roots of the midwifery movement in North America and how it lags generations behind the progress that has been made in other Western countries. Also well presented in this paper is the comparison and review of various Birth Option literature. Such literature addresses how Western attitudes and practices related to birthing have become skewed. Birthing options can make experiences safer, more pleasant, and also more pro-active for the women concerned, in a shift away from the mainstream's institutional and medicalized conditions and procedures. 7.5 pgs. 10 f/c. 9b.