Family Prosecuted after Home birth

[Amber]

I don't have a link to the article as I got this from another forum where there was no link but here goes anyway:

Ohio Homebirth Family Being Criminally Prosecuted



A family in the Dayton area is entangled in a criminal prosecution as a result of their homebirth. Nine weeks ago, the Levier family welcomed their second child to the world at home with the assistance of a midwife. He was born safe and sound. A few hours later, they were a bit concerned about mom so they made the decision to call 911 just to be safe.

In Montgomery County, whenever 911 is called and a child is involved, the police show up as well. The EMTs insisted that the newborn baby needed immediate medical attention (despite being perfectly happy and healthy) so mom and baby transported in the ambulance and baby was monitored for a while to confirm his good health. Meanwhile the police further investigated, taking statements from Dad and the midwife, who identified herself as a doula.

Six weeks later, the Levier family was given a summons to appear in court regarding charges of child endangerment. Both parents have been charged and arraigned. The next legal step is in late September. Their attorney hopes to have the charges dismissed, but in the meantime, they are facing the expenses of attorney's fees for representing BOTH of them while dad's work schedule has been drastically reduced for September.

[Amy]

Umm, excuse me? I understand the possible dangers of home births (if something happens and they're unable to get to the hospital on time) but this is ridiculous. I am horrified.

[ChloesMom330]

I don't see the big problem there was a midwife there. I watched a show where these women did it 100% at home by their self. They had no midwife or anything. They even went to a store to get instruments to cut the embical cord. They didn't even receive prenatal care. Now that's a little extreme. I don't blame someone for having a home birth. It would be much more comfortable as long as the mother has been in good health with no problems.

[Amber]

Originally Posted by Amy Umm, excuse me? I understand the possible dangers of home births (if something happens and they're unable to get to the hospital on time) but this is ridiculous. I am horrified.

That is how I feel as well. I don't get it. I mean, they called 911, how can they say that they intentionally endangered the child?

Originally Posted by ChloesMom330 I don't see the big problem there was a midwife there. I watched a show where these women did it 100% at home by their self. They had no midwife or anything. They even went to a store to get instruments to cut the embical cord. They didn't even receive prenatal care. Now that's a little extreme. I don't blame someone for having a home birth. It would be much more comfortable as long as the mother has been in good health with no problems.

It's not for me, but it just breaks my heart what these people are going through.

[Sophie♥Hatter]

They didn't have a midwife they had a doula BIG difference and they may be in a state where HB's and midwives are not allowed (or where the laws make it extremely difficult for a midwife to successfully over see a true home birth as some states require them to use hospitals or birthing centers rather then allowing women to birth at home). Yes I think it is awful though people should be allowed to give birth at home and UA if they so desire.

[rosebud*]

seriously? wow. you can give birth at home I know of no law that states you can't.

[Sophie♥Hatter]

Some states have laws which greatly restrict how a midwife can practice THIS family had NO midwife only a doula. (I don't agree with them being charged only saying how it can happen)

[Amber]

Originally Posted by Sophie♥Hatter Some states have laws which greatly restrict how a midwife can practice THIS family had NO midwife only a doula. (I don't agree with them being charged only saying how it can happen)

I think that area of the law needs some reform. Isn't a doula similar to a midwife?

[Sophie♥Hatter]

Originally Posted by rosebud* seriously? wow. you can give birth at home I know of no law that states you can't.

There are several states where it is flat out illegal to birth at home (Ohio is not one of them) with a midwife (Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland,, North Carolina and Wyoming) as practicing as a mid wife is illegal in some states.

[Amy]

Originally Posted by Sophie♥Hatter There are several states where it is flat out illegal to birth at home (Ohio is not one of them) with a midwife (Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland,, North Carolina and Wyoming) as practicing as a mid wife is illegal in some states.

I'm sorry, why?