Marno Swart

PhD thesis: The Good Birth: Moral Economy, Autonomy and Access to Obstetric Epidural Analgesia in the United Kingdom

The thesis questions why labour pain is treated as morally meaningful where other severe pain is not and argues that the opt-in model of epidural access misdescribes constrained access as autonomous choice. His wider research concerns informed consent, patient autonomy and the governance of pain in English and South African medical law.

Who or what inspired you to pursue your research interests?

I am keenly interested in the developing nature of the physician–patient relationship, and specifically in an approach that facilitates and enhances patients' autonomous decision-making. I believe that one must understand the multiple layers influencing the relationship between a healthcare worker and patient, including societal, professional, and institutional influences, and I employ an interdisciplinary approach to explore the topic.