Monday, December 27, 2010

Ban on birth photos irks western Md. moms-to-be - wtop.com

Ban on birth photos irks western Md. moms-to-be

HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Some expectant parents in western Maryland are objecting to a new policy that bans birth photography at the Hagerstown hospital.

The change took effect Nov. 1, prohibiting video, film or still photography until five minutes after birth.

Meritus Medical Center spokeswoman Jody Bishop says the policy protects patient privacy and reduces potential staff distractions.

But Cascade resident Laurie Shifler and her husband Michael say they want to photograph the birth of their eighth child, just as they have the first seven.

The U.S. Office for Civil Rights says birth photography by a family member or friend doesn't violate privacy laws, but that some hospitals prohibit it out of a fear of lawsuits.

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