Podcast Summary: Something Was Wrong – S23 E16: "Money Will Take Over (FINALE)"

Introduction

In the gripping finale of Something Was Wrong, titled "Money Will Take Over," host Tiffany Reese delves deep into the murky waters of maternal healthcare in the United States. This episode serves as a culmination of the season's exploration into the traumatic experiences of survivors who sought midwifery care outside traditional hospital settings. Through firsthand accounts, expert insights, and investigative reporting, the episode sheds light on systemic failures, regulatory lapses, and the dire consequences of prioritizing profit over patient safety.

Systemic Failures in Maternal Healthcare

The episode opens with Tiffany Reese addressing the broader context of the U.S. maternal healthcare crisis. She highlights alarming statistics, such as the 18.6 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births reported by the CDC in 2023, significantly higher than other high-income countries. Reese emphasizes that 98% of births in the U.S. occur in hospitals, leaving only a small fraction in out-of-hospital settings like home births and freestanding birth centers.

Expert Testimonies on Midwifery Practices

Licensed midwives and experts provide critical perspectives on the state of midwifery care. Gina Thompson, a licensed midwife in Texas, recounts her experiences witnessing unethical practices within the midwifery community. At [23:45], Gina narrates how a friend proposed a shortcut to becoming a licensed midwife, undermining the rigorous apprenticeship required. She states:

"It feels like we are not valuing people's lives over the money. A lot of the businesses prioritize profits, which has led to poor outcomes."

Gina further discusses the high rates of mistreatment in maternity care, particularly among marginalized communities. Referencing the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee report [Timestamp Needed], she underscores that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable, attributing many to inadequate care and systemic biases.

Survivor Stories: Personal Accounts of Trauma

The finale features powerful testimonies from survivors who endured harrowing experiences at birth centers:

1. Rose's Story ([Timestamp 53:xx]): Rose recounts her traumatic birth experience at Origins Dallas, where she felt neglected and mishandled. She details how her midwives dismissed her severe pain and failed to address her high blood pressure adequately. Rose shares:

   "I felt disregarded and that my pain wasn't being taken seriously" at [Timestamp 62:xx].

2. Marie's Experience ([Timestamp 45:xx]): Marie describes her struggle with gestational diabetes under the care of unlicensed midwives. Despite escalating health concerns, her midwives delayed necessary hospital transfers, leading to severe complications. She states:

   "The midwives encouraged me to push through my pain despite my pleas, resulting in horrific injuries" at [Timestamp 60:xx].

3. Grace's Harrowing VBAC Attempt ([Timestamp 63:25]): Grace shares her near-fatal ordeal attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) at a birth center. She details how inadequate monitoring and delayed intervention led to a catastrophic uterine rupture. Grace reflects:

   "Babies can die or have brain damage, and somehow we both survived. It's a miracle."

Regulatory and Accountability Issues

The episode critically examines the role of regulatory bodies in overseeing midwifery practices. Reese discusses the lack of stringent credentialing processes, highlighting a response from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR):

"TDLR does not comment on pending enforcement cases. They will evaluate legislation after the session concludes" ([Timestamp 40:xx]).

Whistleblowers and Internal Exposés

Lee Franzen, a former midwife and whistleblower, unveils unethical practices she witnessed during her training and professional career. Lee exposes the unauthorized use of medications like Cytotec under the guise of herbal supplements and gross hygiene violations at birth centers. She recounts:

"We used Cytotec without informing patients, misleading them into accepting these treatments" at [Timestamp 77:xx].

Her testimony reveals a culture where patient safety is compromised for financial gain, and accountability is virtually non-existent despite dire outcomes.

Investigative Findings and Insurance Complications

Jamie Hinton, a health actuary and survivor, presents an analytical perspective on the financial and medical implications of out-of-hospital births. Through a deep dive into insurance claims data, Jamie uncovers discrepancies in how birthing centers classify high-risk pregnancies, often misreporting them as low-risk to secure insurance coverage. She explains:

"Insurance companies don’t know they’re covering this. There's a deception involved in how pregnancies are coded" at [Timestamp 70:xx].

Her advocacy efforts aim to reform insurance policies to recognize and address the risks associated with freestanding birth centers.

Community Response and Advocacy

The episode highlights the emergence of a supportive community rallying to demand better standards and accountability in midwifery care. Survivors like Markita and Kristin emphasize the importance of due diligence when selecting birth providers and advocate for heightened regulatory oversight. Markita urges:

"Do your research, search for those midwives' names, and see what people have said about them. There’s a lot of misinformation out there" at [Timestamp 97:xx].

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As the season finale concludes, Tiffany Reese underscores the urgent need for systemic change in maternal healthcare. She calls for:

• Enhanced Regulation: Implementing stricter licensing and oversight for midwives and birth centers.
• Increased Transparency: Ensuring accurate reporting and accountability in medical practices.
• Community Support: Encouraging survivors to share their stories and advocate for safer birth environments.

Reese reiterates the episode’s central theme:

"We need to work together to solve the maternal healthcare crisis in all settings" at [Timestamp 100:xx].

Final Thoughts

The finale of Something Was Wrong powerfully encapsulates the season’s mission to expose and address the failures within maternal healthcare systems. Through compelling survivor narratives, expert insights, and investigative rigor, the episode calls for a collective effort to prioritize patient safety, ensure equitable care, and dismantle the profit-driven motives that endanger mothers and their babies.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Gina Thompson on Cutting Corners: [23:45]

  "We are not valuing people's lives over the money."

• Rose on Feeling Disregarded: [62:xx]

  "I felt disregarded and that my pain wasn't being taken seriously."

• Grace on Surviving Uterine Rupture: [63:25]

  "It's a miracle. I don't know how I did it."

• Jamie Hinton on Insurance Deception: [70:xx]

  "Insurance companies don’t know they’re covering this. There's a deception involved in how pregnancies are coded."

• Markita on Due Diligence: [97:xx]

  "Do your research, search for those midwives' names, and see what people have said about them."

• Tiffany Reese's Call to Action: [100:xx]

  "We need to work together to solve the maternal healthcare crisis in all settings."

Resources and Further Information

Listeners are encouraged to visit the episode notes for comprehensive content warnings, sources, and resources to support maternal health and advocate for systemic changes.