Doin' Ourselves In!

What do New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, Virginia, and even my beloved Texas have in common?

Yes, I know they're all states, but what else?

They are among 22 states who are in dire need of ob-gyns. Women in states like Virginia are forced to drive over 80 miles just to find someone to deliver their babies, which means:

1) Some are delivering their bundles of joy in the backs of Chevys!
2) The infant mortality rate is increasing (Virginia had its highest rate in nine years).

Why? Because 1 in 7 ob-gyns have stopped delivering babies. Why? Because of high insurance premiums due to medical lawsuits. Insurance companies are jacking up prices, but they aren't the only ones at fault. Brace yourselves:

1) An ob-gyn, on average, is sued THREE times during his/her career.
2) Nearly half of the claims are found to be without merit (read: waste of everyone's time).
3) Although 80% of ob-gyns win cases that actually make it to court, most insurance companies decide to settle beforehand without letting doctors defend themselves.
4) The average insurance premium for ob-gyns is tens of thousands of dollars a year (in South Florida, it's a staggering $300,000).

Who can be surprised that ob-gyns are sneaking out the back door? The average jury award given in childbirth cases is $2.5 million. Are you joking? Even if you factor in funeral costs, medical bills, and a college education, does that even approach $1 million? The fact is, people will sue for anything, even things doctors can't prevent. I'm not saying outright negligence is excusable, but neither is taking someone to court for little reason and expecting exorbitant rewards. The situation is dire, and if you live in in Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Alabama, West Virginia, Connecticut, or Maryland, don't get too comfortable--you're on the list as well. Fewer doctors mean less one-on-one time and dangerous situations during the delivery. I love my husband, but I'm not letting him deliver our kid in our Camry (the floor mats are new!).

For more info, check out http://www.parents.com/ and search for the "Healthy Family: Ob-Gyn Shortage" article. Warn a pregnant buddy, nag your congressman, or just spread the word.

I've got to stop working out before I blog; the adrenaline makes me want to pick a fight!