Keep VBACs at West Houston Medical Center
Target:
Todd Caliva, CEO, West Houston Medical Center
Sponsored by:
West Houston Medical Center is considering implementing a ban on VBACs (vaginal birth after ceserean). Having recently had a VBAC at this facility, I am greatly disappointed that such an option may not be available to other women in the future. Studies have shown that VBAC offers better outcomes and lower risks for both mother and baby than having a repeat cesarean. While I do not know what has led WHMC to consider such a ban, I am concerned that decisions to ban VBACs are often based more on financial incentive and convenience for the hospital and its attending physicians rather than what is in the best interests of its patients.
I do not think it is acceptable that women would be forced to undergo surgery they do not want or need and I think it is unconscionable when any medical care decision is based on anything other than what is in the best interests of the patient.
West Houston Medical Center states on it's Birthing Center website (http://www.westhoustonmedical.com/) that their "philosophy is one of listening to the wants and needs of an informed and forward-thinking community" and as such, I intend to present this petition so they DO listen to their community.
Thank you for your support.
I do not think it is acceptable that women would be forced to undergo surgery they do not want or need and I think it is unconscionable when any medical care decision is based on anything other than what is in the best interests of the patient.
West Houston Medical Center states on it's Birthing Center website (http://www.westhoustonmedical.com/) that their "philosophy is one of listening to the wants and needs of an informed and forward-thinking community" and as such, I intend to present this petition so they DO listen to their community.
Thank you for your support.
West Houston Medical Center is considering implementing a ban on VBACs (vaginal birth after ceserean). Having recently had a VBAC at this facility, I am greatly disappointed that such an option may not be available to other women in the future. Studies have shown that VBAC offers better outcomes and lower risks for both mother and baby than having a repeat cesarean. While I do not know what has led WHMC to consider such a ban, I am concerned that decisions to ban VBACs are often based more on financial incentive and convenience for the hospital and its attending physicians rather than what is in the best interests of its patients.
I do not think it is acceptable that women would be forced to undergo surgery they do not want or need and I think it is unconscionable when any medical care decision is based on anything other than what is in the best interests of the patient.
West Houston Medical Center states on it's Birthing Center website (http://www.westhoustonmedical.com/) that their "philosophy is one of listening to the wants and needs of an informed and forward-thinking community" and as such, I intend to present this petition so they DO listen to their community.
Thank you for your support.
I do not think it is acceptable that women would be forced to undergo surgery they do not want or need and I think it is unconscionable when any medical care decision is based on anything other than what is in the best interests of the patient.
West Houston Medical Center states on it's Birthing Center website (http://www.westhoustonmedical.com/) that their "philosophy is one of listening to the wants and needs of an informed and forward-thinking community" and as such, I intend to present this petition so they DO listen to their community.
Thank you for your support.
Further to our meeting on November 4, 2007 we are very pleased to hear that West Houston Medical Center wil continue to welcome women wishing to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). We can only hope that the obstetricians attending at your facliity will offer this important option to women in their care.
Below is a petition expressing the views of the public regarding this issue, many of whom are part of your local community.
The petition was initially started when rumor of a VBAC ban at WHMC was first circulated. Although this is no longer an issue, I still feel it very important that you still read these signatures and comments.
Please do not limit women's choice for childbirth, instead continue your current excellent work.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this important matter.
Below is a petition expressing the views of the public regarding this issue, many of whom are part of your local community.
The petition was initially started when rumor of a VBAC ban at WHMC was first circulated. Although this is no longer an issue, I still feel it very important that you still read these signatures and comments.
Please do not limit women's choice for childbirth, instead continue your current excellent work.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this important matter.
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We signed the "Keep VBACs at West Houston Medical Center" petition!
# 727:
12:54 am PST, Dec 21,
Name not displayed, Washington
i know money is tight, but please find some way to budget in VBAC's. thank you
i know money is tight, but please find some way to budget in VBAC's. thank you
# 726:
4:39 pm PST, Dec 20,
Marlene Sampson, Montana
# 725:
1:09 pm PST, Dec 19,
Elaine Wang, Taiwan
# 724:
7:41 am PST, Dec 19,
Tana Goodwin, Texas
# 723:
8:19 pm PST, Dec 16,
Hansley Davenport, Georgia
# 722:
9:14 am PST, Dec 13,
Scott Greider, Indiana
VBAC bans are incomprehensible and irresponsible and completely serve to remove power from women.
VBAC bans are incomprehensible and irresponsible and completely serve to remove power from women.
# 721:
6:40 am PST, Dec 12,
Amy Chamberlain, Texas
Though I am an Austin resident, I was raised in Houston and am sad that women in my hometown are subject to such poor health policy.
Though I am an Austin resident, I was raised in Houston and am sad that women in my hometown are subject to such poor health policy.
# 720:
9:53 pm PST, Dec 11,
Name not displayed, Florida
# 719:
11:30 am PST, Dec 10,
Christine Diaz, Texas
It's a shame that your hospital is making this terrible decision!
It's a shame that your hospital is making this terrible decision!
# 718:
7:52 am PST, Dec 8,
Tia Miller, Texas
That's ridiculous for Dr.'s to assume automatically that a woman cannot have a vaginal delivery after a cesarean! Every time a womans body is cut it lessens her life span and harms her health....I wish that cesareans were never neccessary, but I do understand there are times when momyy and baby are under distress and need it done. But to make it mandatory to go under the knife is going against a womans right to try to have a baby naturally.
That's ridiculous for Dr.'s to assume automatically that a woman cannot have a vaginal delivery after a cesarean! Every time a womans body is cut it lessens her life span and harms her health....I wish that cesareans were never neccessary, but I do understand there are times when momyy and baby are under distress and need it done. But to make it mandatory to go under the knife is going against a womans right to try to have a baby naturally.
# 717:
7:22 am PST, Dec 7,
Angela Ziegler, Florida
Birth is as safe as life gets....a place that is not safe for VBAC's is not safe for any birth.
Birth is as safe as life gets....a place that is not safe for VBAC's is not safe for any birth.
# 716:
10:16 pm PST, Dec 5,
Tom Teachout, Michigan
I am signing the petition after my wife Candi and I heard about this ridiculous proposed rule for WHMC from our niece Amanda Bourell, who went through being denied VBAC at the hospital this fall. This proposed policy is a glaring example of the kind of administrative and business manipulations so often overriding and controlling quality medical practice. While we can't be there for the rally, we will be there in spirit!
I am signing the petition after my wife Candi and I heard about this ridiculous proposed rule for WHMC from our niece Amanda Bourell, who went through being denied VBAC at the hospital this fall. This proposed policy is a glaring example of the kind of administrative and business manipulations so often overriding and controlling quality medical practice. While we can't be there for the rally, we will be there in spirit!
# 715:
8:39 pm PST, Dec 5,
Lynneece Rooney, Texas
I worked at WHMC when it opened and until 1990. The OB department was always progressive and allowed women to labor providing support of the couple and their wishes. It greatly disapoints me that the institution no longer wishes to provide this respect and support for women in labor, especially in light of the fact that ACOG supports women having the right to VBAC.
I worked at WHMC when it opened and until 1990. The OB department was always progressive and allowed women to labor providing support of the couple and their wishes. It greatly disapoints me that the institution no longer wishes to provide this respect and support for women in labor, especially in light of the fact that ACOG supports women having the right to VBAC.
# 714:
1:42 pm PST, Dec 5,
Marcie Baker Turrin, Texas
# 713:
7:52 pm PST, Dec 4,
Jami Hain, Texas
Health care is out of control and this is just one more attempt generalize (rather than individualize)care for patients. Again ... unneeded and unsafe intervention from hospitals and doctors who continue to limit choices in all areas of healthcare, but especially in childbirth ... despite research that does not support their decisions and interventions.
Health care is out of control and this is just one more attempt generalize (rather than individualize)care for patients. Again ... unneeded and unsafe intervention from hospitals and doctors who continue to limit choices in all areas of healthcare, but especially in childbirth ... despite research that does not support their decisions and interventions.
# 712:
3:42 pm PST, Dec 4,
Sandra McDonald, Texas
Your reputation has been based partly on your support of women's choices in birth, particularly the option of VBAC. Many referrals to your facility come from that reputation. Please don't compromise.
Your reputation has been based partly on your support of women's choices in birth, particularly the option of VBAC. Many referrals to your facility come from that reputation. Please don't compromise.
# 711:
3:24 pm PST, Dec 4,
Name not displayed, Texas
I am so sad that you are choosing to consider such a policy. I pray that it will not happen and other hospitals will take a stand for women and their choice! We are the patients and we should be able to choose and not have the choice taken away from us. Consider your own mother, sister, wife, or friend. What would they say?
I am so sad that you are choosing to consider such a policy. I pray that it will not happen and other hospitals will take a stand for women and their choice! We are the patients and we should be able to choose and not have the choice taken away from us. Consider your own mother, sister, wife, or friend. What would they say?
# 710:
3:14 pm PST, Dec 4,
Kristy Culp-Leonard, California
As a Certified Nurse Midwife and a former resident of Houston, TX I am sorry to hear that your hospital is considering such a policy. If it goes into place I will be sure to spread this information amongst all my Houston Friends (who live in the neighborhood of your hospital) and are of childbearing age. As a woman who had a previous cesarean birth it saddens me that my options for birthing are being diminished in this country and not at the benefit of my health, children's health, or family. This is very disappointing news. Please consider your communities need and the health care of childbearing families. Do NOT put a ban on or make strict limitations to nearly prevent VBAC. Thank you.
As a Certified Nurse Midwife and a former resident of Houston, TX I am sorry to hear that your hospital is considering such a policy. If it goes into place I will be sure to spread this information amongst all my Houston Friends (who live in the neighborhood of your hospital) and are of childbearing age. As a woman who had a previous cesarean birth it saddens me that my options for birthing are being diminished in this country and not at the benefit of my health, children's health, or family. This is very disappointing news. Please consider your communities need and the health care of childbearing families. Do NOT put a ban on or make strict limitations to nearly prevent VBAC. Thank you.
# 709:
7:40 am PST, Dec 4,
Megan Galloway, Texas
# 708:
7:35 am PST, Dec 4,
Name not displayed, Texas
My 1st child was a cesarean because he was breech, i would like if my second is not breech to have a VBAC delivery.
My 1st child was a cesarean because he was breech, i would like if my second is not breech to have a VBAC delivery.
# 707:
6:52 am PST, Dec 4,
Melanie Dossey, Texas
Your hospital plays a vital role in the West Houston area. Allowing women to have a vaginal birth is essential in a community where the primary cesarean rate is already unreasonable.
Your hospital plays a vital role in the West Houston area. Allowing women to have a vaginal birth is essential in a community where the primary cesarean rate is already unreasonable.
# 706:
6:22 am PST, Dec 4,
Rebecca Staton, Texas
Manipulating the sacred birthing process for the convenience of hospital personnel is a travesty and a disgrace to those who vowed to heal and promote wellness. Women have the right to chose safe birth options for themselves and their children, and their hospitals and physicians should be ethically bound to provide those safe options.
Manipulating the sacred birthing process for the convenience of hospital personnel is a travesty and a disgrace to those who vowed to heal and promote wellness. Women have the right to chose safe birth options for themselves and their children, and their hospitals and physicians should be ethically bound to provide those safe options.
# 705:
5:07 am PST, Dec 4,
Sara Brown, Texas
# 704:
9:20 pm PST, Dec 3,
Brenda Chilcoat, Texas
# 703:
8:09 pm PST, Dec 3,
Steven Dyer, Texas
An after anesthesiologist is a necessary asset for after hour's care not only for birthing women but for any acute care treatment. I thought West Houston was a full service hospital.
An after anesthesiologist is a necessary asset for after hour's care not only for birthing women but for any acute care treatment. I thought West Houston was a full service hospital.
# 702:
7:52 pm PST, Dec 3,
Jeff Hull, Texas
Women who have had cesarean sections should be given the option of having a vaginal birth in the hospital.
Women who have had cesarean sections should be given the option of having a vaginal birth in the hospital.
# 701:
7:39 pm PST, Dec 3,
Stacey Farrell, Texas
After much difficulty in finding a supportive doctor for my second VBAC after 2 c-sections, I am thankful to have had an unmedicated labor and birth at LBJ hospital. Follow the lead of this VBAC supportive facility!
After much difficulty in finding a supportive doctor for my second VBAC after 2 c-sections, I am thankful to have had an unmedicated labor and birth at LBJ hospital. Follow the lead of this VBAC supportive facility!
