New Legislation Aims to Lower C-Section Rates in Maryland
March 12, 2019
When unexpected complications arise during the childbirth process, the healthcare professional in charge may recommend a C-section to protect the health of the mother and the unborn baby. C-sections can be life-saving procedures, but they should only be performed when they are medically necessary. In the state of Maryland, 35 percent of all babies are delivered via C-section, which is higher than the national average. Delegate Karen Lewis Young submitted a bill calling for new research into Maryland’s high rate of C-sections, focusing on those that are medically unnecessary.
Initially, the study was to be performed by the Maryland Health Care Commission, but according to Lewis Young, the Maryland Patient Safety Center was the better choice, since they were already in the process of studying surgical birth rates, and agreed to expand their study to examine both first-time C-sections, as well as repeat cesarean births. Ideally, medically necessary C-sections should be performed in 10 to 15 percent of births. If passed, the study will help understand why 35 percent of Maryland’s births are C-sections.
Risks Associated with C-Sections
Like any major surgical procedure, C-sections come with certain risks, including an increased risk of bleeding, damage to other organs, and accidental harm to the baby. In addition, according to the owner of the Frederick Birth Center, some babies born via C-section have breathing concerns. Women who already had one C-section are often told that a vaginal birth is not an option for future pregnancies because there could be serious complications, including a uterine rupture along the suture line from the previous C-section.
She recognized the fact that, for some women, C-sections are the best and safest option for the mother and baby. However, she only advocates for them if they are medically necessary, which is not always the case. Oftentimes, once the woman is in the hospital, the nurses and physician make decisions based solely on the mother’s and baby’s vital signs, rather than considering other factors, such as the mother’s birth plan, and the overall health of the mother and the baby throughout the pregnancy. The approach to vaginal birth after C-sections varies, according to the hospital.
If the bill is passed, the proposed study will provide valuable information about C-sections, and when they are medically necessary. As more expectant mothers educate themselves about the birth options that are available to them, more women may decide against having a C-section, which will eventually drive down the C-section rates in Maryland.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Birth Injuries
If you or your baby were injured during a C-section, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. Protecting your legal rights is our top priority, and we will take every step necessary to ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve. Our dedicated team will determine who is at fault and hold them liable for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
