Action | Disclosure requirements for high-risk pregnancies |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 11/25/2009 |
Having been the client of a midwife, the information I'd want her to disclose to me would be advice based on my condition, and what she had learned from dealing with situations like mine. My midwife instructed me to read the midwife textbook on dealing with complications, including unexpected unassisted birth, and had my husband, coach, read it as well. I think that would be a great thing for all women using midwives to read. She should be required to inform me of all the options I have, the rights I have, and let me know if there could be side effects from any treatment she suggested. She shouldn't be required to tell me any more than a doctor would tell his patient. She should be required to tell me whether she was certified or not, or had nurses' training or not. I shouldn't need to hear confidential information of another patient's experience, but in my experience, a midwife will answer any question posed to her honestly, as long as it doesn't violate another person's privacy. I am in favor of less rather than more regulation in this area.