How to Find Out Your Rights at Your Hospital or Birth Center

Schedule a Hospital Tour or Information Session (if available)

Most hospitals offer birth center tours or virtual information sessions. These are great opportunities to ask about:

Visitor policies (number of support people allowed, doula access)
Eating and drinking during labor
Use of birth tubs or showers
Intermittent vs. continuous fetal monitoring
Freedom of movement during labor
Standard newborn procedures (eye ointment, vitamin K, Hep B shot)
Policies on delayed cord clamping and immediate skin-to-skin contact

Talk to Your Provider Early and Often:

“What are the standard protocols at the hospital where you deliver?”
“How do you support patient-centered care and informed consent?”
“Can you walk me through what typically happens in early labor, active labor, pushing, and postpartum?”

If your provider doesn’t welcome these questions—or if their answers don’t align with your values, it’s okay to explore other options.

Ask for the Hospital’s Patient Rights & Responsibilities Document:

Hospitals in the U.S. are required to have a written statement of patient rights. You can:

Ask for a printed or digital copy at an in-person visit
Check the hospital’s website (search for “Patient Rights” or “Maternity Care Policies”)
Call the hospital’s Labor & Delivery or Patient Advocacy department

Check Birth-Related Hospital Stats and Reviews: Websites like:

Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade
Hospital Compare (Medicare.gov)
CesareanRates.org can offer insight into intervention rates, patient satisfaction, and how your hospital stacks up in areas like cesarean rates and baby-friendly practices.

Use Your Doula or Birth Educator as a Resource: