Abstract
Based on primary research conducted at ante-natal (AN) clinics in West Bengal, this paper seeks to explore and understand women's experiences of the reproductive and child-linked healthcare (RCH) system. While official accounts claim that the RCH approach is sensitive to women's needs and contingencies, the reality on the ground shows a different picture. The hegemonic ‘ideal’ woman user of the AN clinic system is discussed, as this is the image to which women are required to conform. It is also seen that women do not passively accept this ‘ideal’ as a paradigm for their lives, but seek to subvert and resist in various ways. These forms of resistance include the use of silence, lies, gossip and rumour, avoidance and sitting-in and, occasionally outbursts.
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