Obstetric litigation is asphyxiating our maternity services.
Obstetric care in the United States, as judged by maternal mortality, neonatal mortality, stillbirth rates, or any other metric, has never been better. Despite this, litigation over "bad outcomes" is threatening the specialty, not only now, but into the future. Despite damage to our specialty, the injured party often benefits little, if at all, from the process. Potential solutions include an emphasis on evidence-based medicine, a qualification and review process for medical experts, and a more rational and fair health court system.
Hankins
Gary D V
GD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA. ghankins@utmb.edu
MacLennan
Alastair H
AH
Speer
Michael E
ME
Strunk
Albert
A
Nelson
Karin
K
D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States