Midwives On Trial

The following legal theories may apply to nurse-midwives who are employed by hospitals, clinics, healthcare corporations, and private physicians.  A hospital organization conducts business in conjunction with its CNM/CM employees in an

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Midwives incorporated into U.S. maternity care systems could reduce perinatal health disparities and address other provider shortages.

While the historical aspects of early nurse-midwifery are portrayed as brave and heroic, on a superficial level, there are additional issues to consider.

Midwifery care is associated with the concepts of gentleness and patience. In fact, they are a hallmark of midwifery care. In corporate healthcare, these qualities are frequently undermined and disrespected.

What happened to midwifery in America? Part 1

Throughout history midwives have been ever-present, often in the background, but always with us. They have been women in the community other women have turned to for support with women’s unique physical and emotional issues. Most people know the word, midwife; early English for “with woman”.

Insurance defense attorneys will advertise for clients the same as trial attorneys, but their targeted audiences are insurance companies, not injured plaintiffs. An insurance defense attorney is hired by a hospital insurance company to protect their interests when claims for malpractice arise. As a CNM/CM hospital employee, named in a claim for malpractice, you will eventually become acquainted with this individual. Although many midwifery/medical defendants may consider this person to be “their” lawyer, that is not really the case.

The type of legal case that may be filed against you as a midwife is civil litigation. This encompasses medical malpractice and personal injury. A personal injury lawsuit begins when a plaintiff (injured party) files a complaint against a defendant (the party deemed responsible for the injury).

Midwives, on-call time is not your time. Your time belongs to the patients that may need you and the institution/entity that is paying you to be available for patients who require your presence. While on-call, your time should not be dedicated to your family, young baby, toddler, partner, or your much-needed rest. I do not deny that this is hard.

Hospital corporate business is BIG business. Making money is the mission.

Myth of Ordinary Midwife Part 2

After decades of effort by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), CNMs/CMs continue to be adversely affected by historical myth and modern legend, which affect the public profiles of modern midwives.

Abuse of power within hierarchical structures is nothing new. We are see it in our news feeds everyday. Hospital corporate entities are structuredaround a traditional hierarchy, particularly relating to the hiring, supervision, advancement, and responsibilities of professional healcare providers.