Action | Disclosure requirements for high-risk pregnancies |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 11/25/2009 |
I commend the State for Virginia for working to ensure that women are supplied with accurate, unbiased information upon which to make their decisions regarding their child's birth setting. Providing the hallmarks of informed consent will protect women from the psychological trauma that results when women are stripped of their right to self-determination. Midwives are known for their adherence to the principles of informed consent, and those attending births in hospital settings would do well to heed their example and hold themselves to the same standard that the State of Virginia is seeking for homebirth midwives.