Malpractice issues in childbirth 1985
Abstract A meeting on the issue of “Malpractice in Childbirth” sponsored by the International Childbirth Education Association, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of NIH, and the Division of Maternal and Child Health of the Department of Health and Human Services was held at NIH in Bethesda, MD on 22 and 23 July 1985. The meeting was mainly attended by participants from the U.S. reprensenting organizations of doctors, nurses, midwives, insurance companies, hospital administrators, lawyers and women. The discussions focussed on the serious malpractice issues facing maternity care in the U.S. They also explored the probable causes and possible remedies. This report summarizes the discussions of the conference without trying to preempt the eventual publication of the proceedings. It seeks primarily to raise attention to the fact that concerns, also in Europe, are being voiced about increased litigation for maternity care. The policy implications of such a development are discussed.