DeLee is often considered one of the fathers of obstetrics and gynecology and is the author of early textbooks in the field. He views childbirth as a pathologic process that affects both the birthing person and the newborn negatively. He publishes an article in the first issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1915 outlining his views. He writes that the "problem" with midwives is that they view childbirth and pregnancy as a normal process. DeLee is an advocate for interventions to spare birthing people from the necessary "harm" of childbirth, encouraging the use of sedatives, episiotomies, forceps, and other interventions.