Recently, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a statement implying that out-of-hospital birth is more dangerous for mothers and babies than hospital birth. Studies have proven time and again that this misconception is simply not true.
The Triangle Birth Network joins many organizations—including the American College of Nurse Midwives, the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services, American Nurses Association, American Association of Birth Centers, Lamaze International, and the Midwives Alliance of North America—in rejecting ACOG’s statement against out-of-hospital birth.
As ACNM’s response letter (dated 11/21/2006) to ACOG reads, “The troubling nature of this statement places in jeopardy access to a valid, evidence-based system of care. Providers who support evidence-based care have an ethical responsibility to offer access to care at all levels and and in all settings for these families.”