15/09/2020
Hospital policies are often communicated to parents as “you must,” “we can’t let you,” or “you’re not allowed.”
Language like this implies that the hospital has some sort of legal authority over you, or your birth, or rights over your care.
The reality is: Only the person giving birth has the legal authority and rights over their body and the baby they’re carrying.
Hospitals may “enforce” guidelines on their own employees and contractors, but they generally don’t have the right to enforce them on you as a patient. Arbitrary policies don’t override the basic rights of people receiving care.
Remember that--unless a policy is the result of an emergency order or public health measure from your local or state government during the pandemic--hospital policies equal hospital *preferences* about your birth. They are not, generally, legally binding on you as a patient.
^^ This content is taken directly from our short online course for parents coming this TUESDAY. Doulas and CBEs: we are making this available to you to purchase in bulk at a deep discount for your clients!
"3 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Hospital Birth" - the countdown is on!
