The Legacy of Eve's Curse: Religion, Childbirth Pain, and the Rise of Anesthesia in Europe: c. 1200-1800s

- Eve's Curse appears in the Bible and suggests that women would bear children in pain.
- Evidence of opposition to relief of labor pain from religious leaders is scarce.
- Religious beliefs play a major role in societal responses to medical treatment.
- Societal attitudes towards women's illnesses, medical treatment of childbirth have undergone tremendous changes over time.