Bring back VBAC at Frederick Memorial Hospital

To:  Frederick Memorial Hospital

We are writing this letter to draw attention to the fact that Frederick Memorial Hospital (FMH) will no longer allow women to choose a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). We are requesting that FMH reverse this policy.

Birthing Circle of Frederick in conjunction with International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) have received a deluge of emails, phone calls and other communications expressing concern and alarm regarding the recent announcement that FMH will no longer allow women to choose a VBAC.
Statistics show VBAC to be safer than a repeat cesarean section for the majority of mothers and babies. Statistics also show that 80% of women who attempt a VBAC succeed and that the uterine rupture rate is still less than 1%. ICAN would be happy to provide current fact-based statistics and studies to the hospital and staff.

Many prominent authorities, including the Surgeon General, are urging American citizens to become more educated and to take responsibility in their health care choices. Our community takes this directive seriously. By denying this birth option, you restrict our involvement in health care as it relates to our specific situations.

The recent loss of our ability to choose to be attended by a nurse midwife during childbirth has already disappointed many area mothers and their families. The decision regarding VBAC restricts Frederick citizens even further by limiting our opportunity to make educated and involved choices.

Our community is frustrated, confused and outraged. The right to make informed decisions regarding the birth of our children should be guaranteed at our local hospital. Other hospitals are at greater distance, are unfamiliar, and are not part of our community. Expectant mothers should not have to drive by Frederick Memorial Hospital on their way to somewhere that will meet their birthing needs.

We believe every woman should know her options and have the right to choose how she gives birth.

Thank you for your swift attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Bring back VBAC at Frederick Memorial Hospital Petition to Frederick Memorial Hospital was created by Birthing Circle of Frederick and written by Robin O'Brien (robinlea_t@hotmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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