Choices in Childbirth

I've written in previous posts about attempts to preserve women's freedom to make medical decisions in birth as well as early pregnancy in several previous entries. The staff as Our Bodies, Ourselves has drafted a statement that has been signed by scores of medical professionals, advocates and activists, encouraging a new administration to preserve women's choices in childbirth.

The statement is here. If interested, you can add your name to the list of supporters. 

Here is an excerpt:

We urge the promotion of public policies that draw from the best available evidence in the maternity care field. Best practices in maternity care are well-described in an excellent new report issued by the Childbirth Connection, the Milbank Memorial Fund, and the Reforming States Group – Evidence-Based Maternity Care: What It Is and What It Can Achieve. Policy makers should also turn to model projects like the extraordinary example of the DC Birth Center in one of the poorest areas of Washington, DC, where prematurity has been halved utilizing the Certified Nurse-Midwife in a coordinated system of care with collaborating obstetrical specialists. (View the recent feature about its founder, Ruth Lubic.) We need to create more choices in childbirth that produce optimal outcomes along with safe and satisfying birthing experiences.

-Nell

Comments

[Julie]

Yes student, birth control is also under attack. Just recently, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed a "conscience" bill into law. It lets anti-contracception pharmacists and ER nurses refuse to do their jobs and dispense BC and EC.I feel this is wrong because the health needs of patients trump certain religious beliefs if said beliefs will cause harm to someone. It seems clear Jindal doesn't care that BC is also used to control diseases like endometriosis. Plus, he cares more about the feelings of rapists than the health of the women and girls they attack.

[student]

Safety refers to the pregnant only?

[student]

Is birth control subject to the same criticisms abortion endures?

[Diatryma]

Student, as far as I know, most clinics offer fairly comprehensive women's health care. The abortion clinic in my town is also where a few friends of mine go for their yearly physicals and birth control prescriptions.

[student]

Abortion is not the only choice at your clinic?

[K.]

This is exactly what "choice" means - not just abortion. It's inspiring to see so many people working towards providing true options to women. We deserve the opportunity to be able to have true choices - and not be backed in to any corners.

I too am a clinic director - thank you for putting your thoughts and ideas into the world...they are truly inspiring. I turn to your blog on a long day to remember why I do what I do!

[student]

Considering the pain involved, how is birthing a satisfying experience?

[Jane]

Thank you all for the work that you do.

I'm blogging about my abortion experience as a way to work through the emotions: http://abortiondiary.blogspot.com

[SIMZ]

I think this is a great example of why choice is so important.