Now that The Chicago Maternity Center has been released as a DVD, more people will get to see this important historical documentary. The DVD is available from Kartemquin Films . You may view the newly edited trailer HERE.
If you have seen this classic documentary about home birthing, you are aware that this 1975 Kartemquin film borrowed some footage from "The Fight for Life," a 1930's film about the Maternity Center. "The Fight for Life" film is now available for free viewing on the Internet HERE. According to Catherine Reef's biography of John Steinbeck, the renowned Nobel Prize winning author had an uncredited role in the development of "The Fight for Life."
You can also read the book that it was based on, The Fight for Life, by science writer Paul DeKruif. It is available used from various Internet book sellers and possibly in your local library.