Birth Centers Closing

Posted by Brenda Lane Jun 3, 2007

One of the most disturbing trends across the country and beyond has been the closing of many free-standing birth centers. In as few as the last three years, certified nurse-midwives have watched their malpractice rates skyrocket to over 50% increases in their previous coverage.

Some of these drastic increases have forced numerous birth centers to close their doors to expectant parents. In the last 2 years, I have seen 2 free-standing birth centers close, including most recently the Maternity Center in Bethesda, MD, which had a solid reputation in the area as the oldest birth center in the state.

One wonders if fewer and fewer options of birth centers will cause more mothers to seek homebirths. Yet homebirth midwives are also facing difficult times. Most midwives cannot practice without finding a back-up obstetrician to consult or refer their high-risk cases. Rarer still are obstetricians who support homebirth as an equally safe option as hospital births.

I'd love to know what thoughts you have on this issue of birth centers decreasing in number as well as the general trend toward fewer birthing options for expectant families.

Join me on the forum!

Warmly,

Brenda