Supporters Seek Change in Maternity Care - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

Nearly one in three women who give birth do so through Cesarean section, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That has several thousands of people nationwide seeking change through "National Rally for Change on Labor Day" events happening in close to 100 major cities in all 50 states, including one in Fargo.

The nationwide movement was organized mainly by social media. It has supporters and sponsors like talk show host Ricki Lake, the International Cesarean Awareness Network and the American Association of Birth Centers.

The dozens of supporters in Fargo and thousand nationwide say unnecessary Cesarean section rates and maternal deaths are much too high compared to other countries throughout the world.

It gives them reason to believe in change, especially when it becomes personal. Karen Moos, one of the supporters is not just rallying for a cause. She says, "I have to think about the fact that I have a daughter now that's in that child bearing area. I don't want her to have to endure a C-section unnecessarily."

The goal of the rallies is to bring awareness to several maternal issues and really give control back to mothers during pregnancy.

Moos says, "We need to get that information out there that you have the choice. You don't have to take an inducement if the doctor says so. C-section is a last resort."

Supporters do not see a need for putting mothers and babies through a major abdominal surgery, the long term side effects and recovery that go along with it and the risk of death.

North Dakota "Rally for Change" Coordinator Amber Kracht says, "We're hoping to educate and empower women in the public, and we're also hoping to start a dialogue with hospital administrators across the country."

But she says you cannot just point the finger at hospital staff. Women are just as responsible for not being informed.

Kracht says, "They need to make sure they have a good support system to help them through labor and delivery. Make sure they have a conversation with their provider about everything that could happen through the birth."