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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Going to Atlanta

Last week, when Dr. M called to give me the news of the FISH results, she said I could do labor and delivery at a hospital in Nashville. She informed me that I wouldn't be able to do it at the hospital in Murfreesboro because they are owned by St. Thomas, a Catholic affiliate.

What she didn't know was that the hospitals in Nashville had decided to stop offering this to mothers who NEED to end the pregnancy early due to a fetal anomoly. It had been a while since she had had a patient whose baby had Trisomy 18 and was going to terminate, and that patient was able to go to Nashville.

When we met with her on Tuesday to discuss the full results, she then informed us of this. We could have gone to an abortion clinic in Nashville, but we would have been faced with a group of women who WANTED to abort. I just don't think I could handle that, and Dr. M didn't think I should have to. She suggested a place in Atlanta.

This place offers their services to any woman, but they have a special program just for women who are needing to end their pregnancy early due to a fetal problem. I think this is a good thing, even though I still feel like we are sneaking away to do something wrong.

Here is what I'm upset about. When I called to make my appointment, I was asked if I had Medicaid. When I told them no, private insurance, I was informed they didn't take it. I would have to pay out of pocket and submit a claim to my insurance company. When I called my insurance company, they informed me I would have to pay out of pocket for it. I asked if I could appeal, and she said yes, but it wouldn't do any good.

The last thing a woman needs when she is going through this is to worry about payment. She also shouldn't have to worry about going to a clinic where she will be met with women who are happy about ending their pregnancy. Maybe I should start a non-profit up just to help women in this situation. We are making a heart-breaking decision. We shouldn't have to worry about paying for it or about seeing a reminder of someone giving up something we want more than anything.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

These are just things that makes you wonder how much do patients have to take regarding health care system in America.
That's insane!!
Why don't you ask your insurance company do they actually want you to carry on with the pregnancy and have them pay for the bills to take care of the birth, and even the after care of the birth of your child?
Won't they save a bundle by paying for you to end your pregnancy right now?
Sorry I might be a little insensitive, but I think these are issues that should be addressed to those blood suckers!