They Didn't Want to Have C-Sections. A Judge Would Decide How They Gave Birth.

[Bettie]

72. I have also had four c-sections.

My first was two weeks past due date...fetal distress during induction led to emergency c-section that was delayed by the doctor not answering her page. By the time another doctor arrived at the hospital to do the surgery, my baby was gone. An ounce shy of ten pounds, the only girl I'd have.

Two miscarriages later, uterus had a really thin spot, so it was advised that I do a c-section. After the first experience, I took that option and had my first son, who is now 25.

Third one, again, uterus stretched thin....had a 9 pound baby boy. He's 23.

We were done, but at age 42, I found myself pregnant again...talked to doctor about a non-surgical birth, but again, thin uterine wall, so we had another one...my youngest who is still in high school at 17. Got tubes tied after they delivered him.

I'm glad I had them the way I did, because losing that first one nearly broke me, but I know a lot of women who have been able to do the VBAC and did well. In the end, it should be an informed choice.

Having a hearing without an advocate for the woman in labor is wrong. They should have let her make her own decision or waited a bit longer, because this seems like it was about liability for the hospital/doctor, not concern for the mother and child.

At very least, there should have been a lawyer appointed to represent the woman who was in labor.