Hospital Policy Is Not Law

Your Body, Your Baby, Your Birth: Understanding Your Rights in the Hospital

Contrary to what many believe—or have been led to believe—hospital policy is not law.

When you walk into a hospital to give birth, you are not surrendering your rights. You are still in control of your body and your baby. Yet, too often, policies and routines are presented as mandatory, leaving birthing people feeling powerless in their own experiences.

But here’s the truth: You have a say.

You can decline routine vaginal examinations during labor.

You can decline early cord clamping.

You can change positions to help labor progress naturally.

You can decline an early induction date if it isn’t medically necessary.

You can have them turn down or turn off the Pitocin if contractions are too intense.

You can delay weight checks so you and your baby can focus on bonding.

You can make the best choices for you and your baby.

Because this is your birth.

In many hospital settings, birth is placed on a timeline—one dictated by shifts, schedules, and policies rather than the natural flow of labor. The mindful art of patience, of observing your body’s cues and your baby’s well-being, is often pushed aside for the sake of efficiency.

But birth is not a process to be rushed.

There are other ways to monitor progress beyond routine interventions. Your body language, your baby’s heartbeat, and the subtle signs of labor’s progression can tell the story without unnecessary disruptions. Yet, these gentle approaches are often dismissed in favor of rigid hospital procedures.

Your Consent is Required

It is critical to understand: Your legal consent is required for any procedure. No one can make decisions for you without your permission.

That said, medical recommendations are often made with your and your baby’s well-being in mind. Some interventions are necessary. Some are lifesaving. But how do you determine when something is truly needed versus when it is simply routine?

Use the B.R.A.I.N. Method

Before making a decision, ask yourself the following:

- B – What are the benefits of this procedure?

- R – What are the risks?

- A – Are there alternatives to consider?

- I – What is my intuition telling me?

- N – What happens if we wait or do nothing?

This simple framework can help you slow down, ask the right questions, and make the choice that aligns with your needs and values.

Empower Yourself With Knowledge

When you educate yourself about your options, you become a more confident decision-maker in your birth experience. And when you surround yourself with a strong support system—your partner, doula, or birth team—you ensure that your voice is heard and respected.

Your birth matters. Your autonomy matters. You deserve a birth experience where you feel safe, informed, and empowered.

Because this is your body, your baby, and your birth.