The health issue I’m really wanting to dive into is the amount of maternal deaths following giving birth in Japan. With that being said, I think the best anthropological perspective for me use would be epidemiological theory. When reviewing the nature of each theory, the best one to look collectively at my health issue is the epidemiological theory. The epidemiological theorists look at health issues at the population level. It lets them compare and contrast different health concerns, practices, and outcomes. They look at the data in order to make inferences about the situation at hand. This allows them to come to a conclusion, and then come up with a solution. An epidemiologist looks to help the future generations in the problem at hand. With the epidemiological theory being population focused, when data is gathered, it allows the researchers to compare their findings to other populations in order to come up with the best solutions.

When looking at the amount of people dying, it is important to look collectively at the data to really find out why this is happening. It allows researchers to start to narrow down specific causes for the amount of deaths that are occurring. Not only can they narrow down possible causes, but epidemiologists are able to compare their findings to other populations. When comparing to another population, a few inferences can be drawn; their own rates of maternal mortality, what they do differently proceeding any deaths, what positive traits could be used in Japan to help lower the amount of maternal deaths that are experienced. For example, a great country to compare would be the Netherlands. With their birthing practice being much different from Japans and having a much safer outcome, it would allow for a compare and contrast of what methods are working. It also would allow for Japan to have some ideas in how to make changes to make entering motherhood safer for its future population of birthing women.  

Another aspect of the epidemiological theory that I liked, was the use of data. Hard facts cannot be denied. With there being different views on the safety of giving birth in Japan, it is crucial to lay out the reality of it. A great way to back this up is comparing maternal mortality rates to other countries. People will always have their opinions, especially when it comes to women, but facts are facts. There is a safety problem at hand, and one that can be changed. The epidemiological perspective allows for confirmation in the data, and a way to help prevent future cases.  

Entering motherhood should be a joy-filled time. One that the women that choose to be mothers are excited for, not fearing for their own lives. Moms already have so many worries about bringing life into the world, being able to live a new life with a new baby just shouldn’t be one of those worriers. Whether the practitioners need more schooling in how to properly care for the mother, or there needs to be new birthing practices introduced in Japan, the epidemiological theory will help to highlight the weak points within the current state. It will also help to introduce possible solutions to the problem at hand. Giving birth is a part of life, there should practices in place to make it a safer part of life for the women in Japan.