Pregnant women deserve to be given the latest information about medications, chemicals, foodborne illnesses, and other concerns that could cause a birth injury or defect. When women wrestle with the idea of taking medicine they use for a chronic condition, or whether they should get a flu shot, they trust in a doctor to help them make a smart decision.
“Unfortunately, research shows that up to half of pregnant women are not counseled by their health care providers about the potential risks of medications they may be taking, and programs to provide this information have been closing due to state and local budget cuts,” said Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.
DeLauro recently introduced H.R. 2029, the Birth Defects Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Awareness Act of 2011 into the House of Representatives. When passed, the bill will implement a program to make expectant mothers aware of how to prevent birth defects. It will also target medical professionals to increase awareness of pregnancy and breastfeeding information. Grants for these campaigns and research are also a part of the bill.
“During my 25-year medical practice as an obstetrician, I saw far too many expectant mothers and newborn babies affected negatively by a simple lack of education and information,” said Texas Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. “Many of the issues that arise from this lack of information are preventable, so we must make sure pregnant women have access to services and education to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.”
Ob-gyns and other medical professionals owe a duty to care for their patients in an adequate, safe manner. This means that they should fully assess a patient’s medical history, use of medications and over the counter drugs, and any other risks that can cause a birth defect. It is also important to extend this duty to care while a mother is breastfeeding, as this can have a big effect on the child’s development. Healthy behaviors like taking folic acid, a multi-vitamin, and eating a balanced diet are also encouraged.
For mothers and families that are suffering from a birth injury because of the carelessness or negligence of a medical professional or a facility, they should contact an experienced birth injury law firm.
Robert I. Briskman is a Chicago personal injury lawyer and Chicago personal injury attorney with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. To learn more call 1.877.595.4878 or visit http://www.briskmanandbriskman.com/.
