"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" Edmund Burke, 18th century Philospher.



"A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of it being right." Thomas Paine


"The welfare of humanity is always the alibi of tyrants." Albert Camus



"Choice is the essence of ethics: if there were no choice there would be no ethics, no good, no evil; good and evil have meaning only insofar as man is free to choose." Margaret Thatcher, March 14, 1977


Explaining the Cause

Summary of what is happening now.


I am a practicing obstetrician who is a strong supporter of patients rights to informed consent and refusal. I believe a patient has the right to choose her own path given true and not skewed informed consent. Following that tenet, just as a woman should be able to choose to have an elective c/section she should be able to choose not to have one, as well. The American system of hospital based obstetric practice has been eroding those choices for women for quite some time. Due to concerns of economics, expediency and fears of litigation women are being coerced to make choices that may not be in their best interest.

I have had a long relationship collaborating with midwives and find the midwifery model of care to be evidenced based and successful. I was well trained at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the mid 80's to perform breech deliveries, twin deliveries, operative vaginal deliveries and VBACs, and despite evidence supporting their continued value, hospitals are "banning" these options. Organized medicine is also doing its best to restrict the availability of access to midwives.

This scenario is happening all over the country. Small practices with small voices are being coerced. The purpose of this blog is to reach out for support and to gather together as one loud, unshakable voice. To do this will require a coordinated effort and I will need your help. Please ask questions of your local hospitals, write letters to support or protest what they are doing, write your legislators, contact the media and send me your ideas. A grass roots effort against large forces will require a united effort. I believe the health of the future mothers in our country is worth it. Thank you, Dr. F


Thursday, May 26, 2011

Welcome Taj

For those in the obstetric profession who have not experienced the joy and peace and marvel of a home birth, whatever their reason may be, I would suggest they stop and think a second time. Last evening Karni and I were once again privileged to assist in the home birth of baby Taj and the rebirth of a woman and her family unit. That is all there is to say. Home birth is filled with wonderful stories that never make a headline and yesterday was one of those moments. There is so much more to giving birth than just giving birth and the home environment absolutely enhances the experience for informed women who freely choose that option. There is room in the birthing debate for more open mindedness and a respect for the process. Congratulations to Amara & Mike and thank you for the privilege. Dr. F
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