Cases prompt debate on forced C-sections

The case is one of several in recent months that have revived a debate about whether mothers have an absolute right to choose when, where, and how they give birth, if the health of their baby is at stake.

A spokesman for the American Hospital Association was unable to say immediately whether the organization has taken a position on the issue.

Some groups representing doctors, including the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, have said that physicians should refrain from doing procedures unwanted by pregnant women and that use of the courts to resolve conflicts is almost never warranted.

Marlowe ended up at another hospital, where she had a quick, natural birth she described as "a piece of cake." She didn't know about the first hospital's action until her husband was told by a reporter.

"They don't know me from anything, and they're making decisions about my body?" she said. "It was terrifying."

Officials with Wilkes-Barre General did not return calls seeking comment.

In Salt Lake City, an acknowledged cocaine addict with a history of mental health problems resisted having a caesarean for about two weeks before acquiescing. One of the twins she was carrying died during the delay. The mother was charged with capital murder, but she ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of child endangerment and was sentenced to probation.

Last month, prosecutors in Pittsburgh charged an unlicensed midwife with involuntary manslaughter after she failed to take a woman to the hospital when her baby began to be delivered feet first. The child died two days later. The midwife said she had been trying to honor the mother's wishes to have the baby at home.

Legal specialists and medical ethicists said that attempts to prosecute women for pregnancy choices or to force them to undergo certain procedures for the benefit of their children may be on shaky ground.

"There are 50 years of case law and bioethical writings that say that competent people can refuse care, and that includes pregnant women, as well," said Art Caplan, chairman of medical ethics at the University of Pennsylvania.