My Daily Domestic Diigolet 02/25/2008

In an unusual statement released this week, ACOG denounces the research evidence on planned, midwife-attended home birth, saying that such studies “have not been scientifically rigorous.” ACOG goes further to accuse the woman who chooses home birth of putting “herself and her baby’s health and life at unnecessary risk,” and argues that “choosing to deliver a baby at home…is to place the process of giving birth over the goal of having a healthy baby.”

There’s a lot to unpack here. The midwives’ campaign countered yesterday with its own statement, calling out ACOG for playing the “bad mother” card. Indeed, ACOG’s statement strikes at pregnant women twice, first implying that they’re selfish for valuing the “process of giving birth,” and second for being too posh — or too fat — to push.

Let’s look at the latter accusation first: nearly 1 in 3 American babies are born by cesarean section, major abdominal surgery, up 50% over the last decade. But according to CDC epidemiologists, this has little to do with women’s health status or their choices, and more to do with what’s trendy and fashionable for providers — the effective ban on VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) among many practices and hospitals, for one. While ACOG dismisses the studies on home birth as lacking in scientific rigor, there is not one peer-reviewed study to suggest that a significant number of women are demanding elective cesareans.

Finally, there’s a double standard lurking here: elective, medically unnecessary cesarean has been considered en vogue for some time. We know that major abdominal surgery carries with it major risks for both mother and baby, but when it comes to that cause célèbre, ACOG has vocally supported a woman’s “right to choose.”

The “super trailer” below for Stein’s film makes the argument that scientists are being quietly fired and silenced if and when they express religious beliefs and that free speech issues are increasingly relevant to this topic as America’s culture/media climate becomes increasingly secular.

As I sat in the surgery waiting room with other parents, I flashed back to the hours of waiting when Francesca was in surgery. Although none of them were having open hearts

Nonetheless, the uncertainty and apprehension were evident. It further ingrained my desire to help others. I pray that my role will take more focus as the year unfolds.