In this episode of the VBAC Facts® podcast, CEO and founder Jen Kamel delves into a gripping discussion with "Esther" and her experience with the Israeli Supreme Court ruling favoring her choice against a compelled repeat cesarean. The conversation with "Esther" and her attorney Tamir explores deep-seated issues of medical coercion, informed consent, and the ethical dilemmas within the healthcare system. "Esther" shares her personal journey through multiple pregnancies, miscarriages, and her fight for autonomy over her birthing choices. She recounts her traumatic experiences and the impact they had on her approach to healthcare, highlighting the crucial need for accurate information and respect for patient choice in medical practice.

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:24 Meet Esther and Her Story

04:40 Esther's First Pregnancy and Miscarriage

06:32 The Birth of Twins and First C-Section

08:10 It's a Gentle Cesarean

10:09 Planning for a VBAC and Second C-Section

14:55 Never Asked About Intended Family Size

16:15 Uterine Window Noted During Second Cesarean

16:58 Single vs Double Layer Sutures

18:14 Fourth Pregnancy and Emergency C-Section

21:05 Uterine Thickness Conversation

24:01 "The Insurance Company Won't Event Let Us"

29:02 Starts Considering Unassisted Birth

31:44 Sixth Pregnancy After Three Cesareans

32:31 Struggles with Medical Care

35:10 Confrontation with Paramedics

35:43 Threatened to "Call Her Psychiatric"

37:03 Forcibly Sedated Her

37:15 Hospital Trauma of Fourth Cesarean and Aftermath

38:47 No Heartbeat, but Still Cesarean?

40:36 Three Doctors to Sign Off

41:26 What Evidence Based Medicine Means

45:28 Reflections on Stillbirth and Loss

46:08 Not feeling safe in her own home

46:49 The Journey to Trust God Again

48:36 Mistreatment Impacts How People Engage with Health Care

49:52 Staying Private About Pregnancy After Four Cesareans

53:57 Community Interference and Fear

56:24 Conclusion

• The Israeli Supreme Court Ruling, dated August 25, 2024
• Is VBAC illegal? Is homebirth illegal? - VBAC Facts® Article
• Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
• Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
• Single vs Double Layer Suturing: Is One Method Superior? - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
• The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
• The Limited Evidence on VBA3+C: Decision Making in the Midst of Uncertainty - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training

Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

Instagram: @prod.analogue