This week on the program, we look at the difficulties and struggles associated with childbirth.

First, we look at new research which has found that women across the globe are mistreated during labour. Be it verbal abuse, lack of privacy, loss of autonomy, women from developed and developing countries are less than impressed with the support and care they are receiving.

Second, we look at how neonatal intensive care treats extremely premature babies who have been born via IVF. A new study has looked at how nurses perceive these “precious babies,” named because they are often a last hope for parents advancing in age. We also talk to a mother who has been through the experience.