What Does Medical Consent Mean?

Across the United States and worldwide, birthing people and their companions are waking up to the fact that obstetric care could do much better for families. With what seems to be an ever-increasing number of impositions of technological, pharmaceutical, and surgical interventions in pregnancy and childbirth, one has to wonder, are these interventions creating better outcomes for families? In many cases, the answer is no. Of course, life-saving interventions are extraordinary when they save lives, but they are not necessary for physiological birth to occur.

With the increasing changes in hospital policies regarding allowing doulas to join families, understanding medical consent is more important than ever. In many cases, these technologies are being used on people who are not in an emergency. If left alone, they could have given birth without using them as the cesarean rate rises, reaching up to 70% in some U.S. hospitals.

Due to the advancing numbers of birthing people reporting incidences of malpractice, more and more expecting parents are taking a considerable interest in medical consent. So, what is medical consent, and how can birthing families practice it?

Medical consent means that all treatments or therapies must be explained in detail and agreed upon by the birthing person. In other words, absolutely no treatments or medicines, even if with the best intentions, can be given to a birthing person and their baby without their consent. All people have the right to either accept or refuse medical interventions, period.

Genuine medical consent recognizes the intelligence and autonomy of each human being. No one has the right to tell anyone what to do with their body. In far too many cases, people aren't even told what is being done to them. Often, medical consent that birthing people experience during childbirth looks like being told what will happen rather than being asked and informed about the options.

The changes to the current system need to come from the system itself and the ones supporting the system. It is vital that we inform, advise, and support birthing families in making the best decisions for them.

One incredible way that families can empower themselves is through asking questions and having additional support, like a doula in the birthing space, to ensure just treatment. Another simple way to assist a family in gathering the information they need to make an informed decision is through the acronym BRAINS.

The BRAINS acronym provides a clear and logical framework for eliciting the necessary information from care providers. It helps make decisions throughout the pregnancy and the birth, and beyond.

The B stands for Benefits. This is a great question to start with. What are the benefits of the particular procedure, protocol, etc., considered?

The R stands for Risks. What are the risks associated with what is being offered? What are the risks relative to the benefits? Are there any side effects?

The A stands for Alternatives. What are the alternatives to what is being offered? Are there other approaches that might be taken?

The I stands for Instincts or Intuition. Take time here to listen to your inner knowing about a particular suggestion. Trust your gut! What are your instincts telling you?

The N stands for Nothing. What would happen if we were to do nothing? What would happen if we waited an hour? What are the benefits/risks of doing nothing?

The S stands for Space. Please give space to consider the options. Will this choice result in the Safe outcome the family desires?

The BRAINS acronym is a useful tool that families can use to make sure they are fully aware of what is offered. The bottom line is all people have a right to informed consent.

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