Controversies In Childbirth Conference Offers First-Ever Open Forum For Discussion And Debate On 'Crisis In Childbirth In The U.S. Today'

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: Conferences
Article Date: 14 May 2008 - 3:00 PST

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The first-ever conference organized as an open forum for discussion and debate of what its founder calls "the crisis in childbirth in the U.S. today" will be held at the Fort Worth Convention Center, Friday through Sunday, March 27-29, 2009.

"The Controversies in Childbirth Conference is a one-of-a-kind neutral venue and event whose only agenda is focusing on the crisis in childbirth in the U.S. today," said Alan J. Huber, founder and director of the Conference. "This will be the first time all parties are invited to present their viewpoints in an untainted setting designed specifically for intelligent, important discussion and progress.

"There will be no preaching to the choir here," he said. "Voices may be raised, but not in song and surely not in harmony. This conference is absolutely timely . . . in fact it's long overdue!" he said.

"Over the past decade the childbirth community has endured skyrocketing costs while remuneration to providers has diminished," Mr. Huber said. "Now, for the first time, the entire community will be under one roof at one time - OBs, midwives and doulas, nurses and other medical practitioners, directors of hospitals, malpractice and other insurance providers, lawyers and advocacy groups - to find common ground and also benefit the parents-to-be, who have found their choices more and more limited."

'The World of Childbirth is in Turmoil'

"The world of childbirth in the U.S is in turmoil, and viable solutions must be found," said Mr. Huber. "Hospitals continue to close maternity wards and thousands of OBs are out - or getting out -- of the baby business. Last week, at the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology convention in New Orleans, the exhibit floor showcased numerous 'other profit opportunities' for OBs, with cosmetic surgery presented as 'a new and better business alternative'.

"Clearly the time is here for all parties in the childbirth community to gather, discuss and take important action," he said.

Mr. Huber said that along with the Controversies in Childbirth Conference, a "Free Baby Expo - featuring everything-baby for the 80,000-plus births expected in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in 2009" -- will be held Friday through Sunday, March 27-29, at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

http://www.dfwbabyexpo.com