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Your Rights as a Pregnant Woman, a Patient, and a Mother

Many women and families are unaware of the many rights they have to informed consent, informed refusal, and decision-making during pregnancy and childbirth.  You also have a right to file a complaint when your care is not appropriate.

• Rights of Childbearing Women

• Patients Rights in New York State

• “Unhappy With Your Maternity Care? File a Complaint!” from the Citizens for Midwifery News

• Maternity Patient Information Leaflets (NYS Public Health Law § 2803-j): New York State law requires that every hospital and birth center distribute at the time of pre-booking to each prospective maternity patient an informational leaflet prepared by the Commissioner of Health, including statistics relating to the annual percentage of maternity-related procedures performed at the hospital or birth center. Ask for this information!
  

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