LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF BIRTH VIDEOS

There is little information available in the peer-reviewed literature on the medical and legal aspects of videotaping obstetric procedures. To manage legal risks, some large medical centers do not allow familie s to videotape the birth. One liability insurer is now attempting to l imit video cameras in labor and delivery suites throughout its state. These policies can have significant implications for physicians and th eir patients. In an effort to examine approaches to the problem, we ga thered the experiences of physician and attorney members of the Americ an College of Legal Medicine through letters and telephone conversatio ns, and we performed a review of the available medical and legal liter ature. Based on this research and review, we present the benefits and risks of permitting families to videotape the birth process, and we ma ke recommendations for reducing potential liability.