Legal Question in Health Care Law in Missouri

the right to induce labor

I am 35 weeks pregnant and they have diagnosed my baby with an embilical cord anerysm.

This is a rare condition in which not alot of research has been done. We do know this can cause hemmorage, blood clots and even fetal death and still birth. The only cure is delivery of the baby and to clamp off the cord. Do we as parents have the right to decide to induce labor to eliminate the risks of loosing our child?


Asked on 11/09/06, 5:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: the right to induce labor

1. You should to go a high risk perinatal center in one of the bigger cities.

2. You should discuss this with the best obstetrician available.

3. You should undergo such workup as is practical, but should do so quickly.

4. You should discuss, with your phsycians, the options of taking the baby now rather than waiting. You should rely on their advice.

Normally after a child is more than 30 weeks gestation, assuming there are no underlying congential abnormalities (hypoplastic left heart, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great vessels, Potter's Syndrome, etc.) the child can survive life outside the womb. A planned C-section should be the method of choice for delivery, and only at a facility that has an active and capable level III Neonatal ICU.

Good luck!

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Answered on 11/13/06, 9:31 am


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