Despite receiving weekly press releases and notifications not one local newspaper, radio or television station was in attendance for the largest women’s movement in decades.  On Labor Day, around 10,000 women, men and children gathered peacefully in cities and towns across the country for the National Rally for Change, in order to raise awareness of the current state of maternity care in the U.S. 

The mission of ImprovingBirth.org is to insist on evidence-based care for all women, which is currently not the case in America.  A mere 25% of the obstetric guidelines recommended by the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) are based on quality and consistent scientific evidence.  The remainder is based on consensus, opinion, and evidence not considered to be of high-quality.  Although the US spends more than any other country in the world for maternity care, we have one of the worst maternal mortality rates of all industrialized countries.  Our rates of induction of labor and cesarean section are far higher than what is recommended by the World Health Organization.  A good portion of these interventions are medically unnecessary, which puts moms and babies at greater risk for additional complications.  If the US reduced the cesarean and induction rates to that recommended by the WHO, we would save BILLIONS of dollars annually, as well as save lives. 

This story has made national headlines and most cities across the country had media in attendance to capture the story as the rally was happening.  The Seattle rally saw around 70 people lining up along Broadway near Swedish First Hill, holding signs to increase awareness of these issues.  Many passers-by honked, waved and gave a thumbs-up sign in support of the cause.  However, this national uprising didn’t make a blip on the radar of mainstream Seattle media. 

Fortunately, spacedogradio.com has a real nose for the news.  Somehow, they found out about the rally and came to interview some of those in attendance.  It’s good to know that non-corporate media is out there and is available to help spread the word of news that is important to the masses.

To learn more about the movement, please visit www.improvingbirth.org and to listen to the podcast of the event, visit www.spacedogradio.com.