Action Alert: VBAC Ban in Florida Birth Centers

On Wednesday, March 24th, the State of Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration will move to permanently ban Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC) in Florida birth centers. Currently, women who choose to give birth normally after surgery must do so in a hospital that will allow it, which encompasses only half of those in the state, or at home with a Licensed Midwife and physician consult sign-off. VBAC's are currently not permitted in birth centers, but only because of a 'de facto ban' due to outdated language in the regulations. After a request that the language be updated to include legalized VBAC's at birth centers with Licensed Midwives and physician consultation, the State used the opening to move to make VBAC's illegal in state licensed birth facilities.

Allowing the pursuit of VBAC at home or at a state licensed birth center with a Florida Licensed Midwife will keep healthy, safe options open for Florida's families, and will dramatically reduce taxpayers' investment in unnecessary surgery.

For these reasons, I urge you to sign this petition and make your voices heard in support of legalizing VBAC's in Florida's licensed birth centers:

To: Florida Agency Health Care Administration

While we recognize the need to change outdated language in the rule, it is our position that the state consider similar language to that of F.S. 467. Such language would work to insure the patient received competent care from a licensed practitioner and respects the right of the patient to make an informed decision. We ask the State of Florida to remain a regulatory body and not take on the role of medical surrogate. (Sign here)

For more information, please visit http://www.vbacsummit.org/VBACBAN.html.