Tag Archives: legal

ACOG Official Position on Homebirth

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 You can read the release in it’s entirety HERE. Basically more of the same. Homebirths are risky, hospitals are better, blah blah blah. No statistics, no data, just more of the same. It makes me sick. The patronizing tone that accompanies these statements infer, “Be a good little girl and do what your doctor tells you.” God forbid you think for yourself, ask questions, read, educate, listen, HEAR, make choices for yourself. Oh no. We can’t have that. Ugh. Can you hear me screaming?

I recently came across Britain’s Royal College of Obstetrician’s and Gynaecologist’s statement on homebirths. It was released in April of 2007. The overall tone is one of a deep respect for childbirth choices and a woman’s right to choose where and with whom she gives birth. The high spots are as follows:

“There is no reason why home birth should not be offered to women with low risk of complications and it may confer considerable benefits for them and their families.”

“The review of the diverse evidence available on home birth practice and service provision demonstrates that home birth is a safe option for many women.”

“The observational data available show lower intervention rates and higher maternal satisfaction with planned home birth compared with hospital birth.”

“It is aknowledged that there are no known risk assessment tools which have an effective predictive value concerning outcomes in the antenatal period and labour.”

“UK maternity policies recognise that, for the majority of women, pregnancy and childbirth are normal life events and that promoting women’s experience of having choice and control in childbirth can have a significant effect on children’s healthy development.”

“There is ample evidence showing that labouring at home increases a woman’s likelihood of a birth that is both satisfying and safe, with implications for her health and that of her baby.”

Contrast this with the ACOG’s statement and you’re probably left scratching your head. Me too. Add that to the fact that in 2005, shortly after the major study linking better outcomes with CPM’s and homebirths, the OB.GYN.News put out a very favorable article. The title? “Planned Homebirths Safe, Study Suggests“.  AOG’s article on safety of homebirth  Makes ya go “Hmmm… ” doesn’t it???

Midwifery in Missouri

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For those of you unaware of the status of midwifery in Missouri, this stands to be a banner year for the cause here. Currently, a homebirth is legal but having anyone attend that homebirth other than a CNM or an MD is a felony charge. There is a court case coming up in the spring that could change all that, but in the meantime we need to make LOUD our support of professional midwives and our choices in regards to where we give birth.

Even if you aren’t a supporter of homebirth, if you live in Missouri and support ANY of the following, consider writing or visiting your representative about this issue:

  • Do you believe women and families should control their choices in healthcare, not doctors or legislators?
  • Do you support TRUE informed consent regarding healthcare decisions?
  • Do you support the idea that medical decisions should remain in the hands and hearts of the people that those decisions effect?
  • Do you support the idea that mothers and babies deserve high-quality, caring, safe healthcare regardless of where they choose to give birth?

If you agree with any of the above statements, then please, consider writing to your Missouri Representative today! If you are NOT a Missouri resident, but support the above or midwifery/homebirth in general: visit Friends of Missouri Midwives to see how you can help!

Again, many of us realize that this year’s elections will change our lives in numerous ways. Perhaps more so than any election has in years. Let this be the banner year for Missouri families as we seek legislation to increase their options for safe, affordable, empowering, fearless birth!