The International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) recently signed an amicus curiae briefing in support of Plaintiff Rinat Dray in the Rinat Dray v. Staten Island University Hospital, et. al case against forced cesareans. This briefing, which presented 50 stories of mothers who wanted to share their experiences of obstetric abuse within the maternity care system, was curated and submitted by both the National Advocates for Pregnant Women (NAPW) and Human Rights in Childbirth (HRiC) to the Kings County Supreme Civil Court in NY.
The International Cesarean Awareness Network is in support of this amicus curiae because it is in alignment with our mission, which is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). We envision a reduction in the cesarean rate driven by women assuming responsibility for their healthcare by making evidence-based, risk appropriate childbirth decisions. This cannot happen if women are being abused in a birthing environment that lacks empathy and access to evidence-based birth options.
It is our sincerest desire that all women be granted access to maternal care that is both mother and baby-friendly in a nurturing, supportive, and empathetic birth environment.
