My Hospital Is Not Allowing VBAC
My hospital is currently not allowing VBAC and forcing me to have a cesarean. What are my options?
- Contact ICAN with the name and city/state of the denying hospital, along with the name and contact information of the Nurse-Manager of the Labor & Delivery/Birthing unit that is forcing you to have surgery against your will. (For support in Los Angeles, email us.)
- You may choose to present a signed VBAC Consent Form as proof of your understanding of the benefits and risks involved in childbirth.
- According to the Patient Care Partnership of the American Hospital Association, you have the right to refuse recommended treatment, including a cesarean section. If you refuse a recommendation, alternative treatment should be provided. In this case, a VBAC.
- State that you require more time to consider your decision. Ask to postpone the surgery until you have been given adequate time to research your decision thoroughly.
- When labor begins spontaneously, some mothers feel more comfortable laboring in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible. It may be possible to find a doula or monitrice for labor support.
- It is never too late to change caregivers or birth location. Consider seeking another caregiver or birth location immediately.
- Write a letter to your local television station and/or the editor of your local newspaper, telling them you are being forced to have a cesarean against your will.
Published by ICAN: January 2014
See a listing of Los Angeles area hospitals and their Cesarean rates here.
Look up hospitals across the nation and view Cesearean and VBAC rates and policies here.
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