maternity care

A new short documentary from Al Jazeera English, Birthrights: The Risk of Choice, examines the prevalence and safety of cesarean sections in the United States, and the many players within the maternity care system.

A Lame Duck Congress lives up to its name when it comes to fair pay, William Saletan tells women we should compromise our bodily autonomy because two guys have decided it's a good idea, contraception should be covered for women in the U.S. and more..

Democratic U.S. Senator Patty Murry has won a fourth term, beating out Republican challenger Dino Rossi. But the state still faces a huge budget shortfall which means cuts to family planning and maternity care for lower income women.

The ACLU filed a federal lawsuit today on behalf of a Pennsylvania couple whose newborn was removed from their care over the mother's positive drug test. Only she wasn't on drugs - she had eaten a poppy-seed bagel before going into labor and the hospital who gave the test made a series of bad mistakes.

A coalition of individuals and national organizations focused on promoting evidence-based maternity care sends a message to ACOG to remove yet another barrier to VBACs.

In Washington State, anti-choice Republican Dino Rossi challenges incumbent U.S. Senator Patty Murray, one of the more staunch women's health and rights supporters in Congress.

A study shows that expectant mothers in California may face more constrained choices in childbirth depending on whether they choose a non-profit or for-profit hospital.

Two bills with the power to significantly improve the health and lives of California's women and children await Governor Schwarzenegger's signing in the final days of the state's legislative session.

New and emerging research won't be enough to change birth practices in the United States and worldwide. We also need activism to shake things up and ensure meaningful change.

Today, President Obama will sign into law the Affordable Health Care for America Act.  An initial summary of the wins, losses, and remaining challenges for women's health and rights.

Follow Jodi Jacobson on Twitter, @jljacobson