As a mother of two, one born in a hospital and one born at home, I feel I had better opportunities for informed consent and access to evidence-based information through my midwife than through my OB.  The Midwifery Model of Care already incorporates full disclosure of risks and benefits of all alternative options and treatments, then allows the patient to make decisions without pressure. The OB model of care I've experienced made decisions for the patient without full disclosure prior to treatment being given.  Parents seeking midwifery care frequently have to go out of their way to find a suitable provider. They do this because they have done their homework and have made an informed decision on maternity care that they want. What is needed is more OBs who properly administer informed consent and evidence based information.

All maternity (and medical for that matter) care providers should be held to the same threshold of ethical, moral and professional standards, regardless of the letters following their names.