Cottage, VBAC advocacy letter - moderate length
Fri, 06/20/2008 - 19:55 — Anonymous
Dear Mr. Werft,
I am writing to you today concerning the issue of VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), and the fact that Cottage Hospital does not allow them at this time. As a mother and passionate supporter of women’s rights, I am dismayed that Cottage Hospital does not allow women to be a participant in making informed decisions about their bodies and their babies. Your stated Mission Statement is: "To provide superior health care through a commitment to our communities and to our core values of excellence, integrity, and compassion." I would like to know how mandatory surgery (which a VBAC ban entails) embodies these important values.
When decisions about health-care are based on informed consent, evidenced-based practice, and individual needs, then everyone feels empowered and respected. At the tender transition of childbirth, it is even more important that women are treated with dignity and compassion. How a woman gives birth can deeply affect her feelings of self-worth, as well as her ability to care for her family. When women have trusting, respectful relationships with their health-care providers and hospital, they are more likely to be satisfied with their birth experience. I know that this must be of utmost importance to you.
I encourage you and other decision-makers to explore the current scientific research on this matter, which clearly shows that cesareans are not better than VBACs in every case. There are many hospitals in the U.S. which allow, and even encourage, VBACs as a way to increase positive birth outcomes, reduce costs, and increase patient satisfaction. Patient choice is an important value of Cottage Hospital, so allowing mothers to choose VBACs is in alignment with both current research and your mission. As a leader in ensuring the physical and emotional health and well being of mothers and babies in our community, you surely must see the value in making VBACs an option at Cottage once again.
Your hospital provides excellent care, so I know that you will review the wisdom of this one policy closely in order to best serve our community.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response.
From:
VTo:
Ronald C. Werft, President & CEO, Cottage HospitalDate sent:
Friday, June 20, 2008I am writing to you today concerning the issue of VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), and the fact that Cottage Hospital does not allow them at this time. As a mother and passionate supporter of women’s rights, I am dismayed that Cottage Hospital does not allow women to be a participant in making informed decisions about their bodies and their babies. Your stated Mission Statement is: "To provide superior health care through a commitment to our communities and to our core values of excellence, integrity, and compassion." I would like to know how mandatory surgery (which a VBAC ban entails) embodies these important values.
When decisions about health-care are based on informed consent, evidenced-based practice, and individual needs, then everyone feels empowered and respected. At the tender transition of childbirth, it is even more important that women are treated with dignity and compassion. How a woman gives birth can deeply affect her feelings of self-worth, as well as her ability to care for her family. When women have trusting, respectful relationships with their health-care providers and hospital, they are more likely to be satisfied with their birth experience. I know that this must be of utmost importance to you.
I encourage you and other decision-makers to explore the current scientific research on this matter, which clearly shows that cesareans are not better than VBACs in every case. There are many hospitals in the U.S. which allow, and even encourage, VBACs as a way to increase positive birth outcomes, reduce costs, and increase patient satisfaction. Patient choice is an important value of Cottage Hospital, so allowing mothers to choose VBACs is in alignment with both current research and your mission. As a leader in ensuring the physical and emotional health and well being of mothers and babies in our community, you surely must see the value in making VBACs an option at Cottage once again.
Your hospital provides excellent care, so I know that you will review the wisdom of this one policy closely in order to best serve our community.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response.
Comments
Superb!