Hospitals Tighten Rules For Elective Inductions, C-Sections Ahead Of New Joint Commission Reporting Requirements

Why Did It Take So Long?

The over-medicalization of childbirth via skyrocketing induction and cesarean rates along with the overuse of technology (continuous fetal monitoring, routine IV's, internal monitoring, epidurals, etc.) has continued unabated for well over a decade.

Although TJC is taking a step in the right direction by requiring public disclosure of Cesarean and induction rates, it makes me wonder what took them so long.

Our maternal and infant mortality rate is increasing---which is no surprise when you consider that some hospitals have a surgical birth rate of 50-60%. What ever happened to the standard that 'we don't do surgery on anyone unless is absolutely medically necessary.'?

Twenty years ago, the term 'late preterm birth' wasn't even heard of---now it is a major cause of infant complications and increasing healthcare costs. Late pre-term birth is predominantly an iatrogenic problem.

Publicly reported outcome data should be required for not only inductions and cesareans but also maternal and infant complications like hemorrhage, infections, respiratory distress, iatrogenic breastfeeding problems, and maternal and infant mortality. As they saying goes..."you can't improve what you don't measure."

We need an overhaul of maternity care informed consent (risks are not being disclosed) as well as an end to financial rewards for high-tech care instead of high-touch care for women and infants.

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