SAN FRANCISCO – The number of babies delivered at birthing centers in the United States is still very low, but freestanding birthing facilities are growing rapidly. Are these centers, many of which are not accredited, safe choices for women who are looking for a noninstitutional birth experience?
At the annual meeting of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Edward R. Yeomans, chair of the department of ob.gyn. at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, faced off against Ginger Breedlove, Ph.D., president of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, in a debate about the preferred site for delivery.
Dr. Yeomans, who favors hospital-based deliveries, said that safety is the major issue. Birthing centers are not equipped to deal with emergencies that can arise even in low-risk pregnancies and may require immediate access to surgery or a blood bank.
Dr. Breedlove countered that accredited birthing centers have strict standards for the cases they accept and have transport plans in place for emergencies. She added that she supports accreditation for all freestanding birthing centers.
mschneider@frontlinemedcom.com
On Twitter @maryellenny