MEDICAL OFFICIALS CALL FOR BIRTH INJURY FUND TO COMBAT HIGH-COST MALPRACTICE LAWSUITS

BALTIMORE – Warning of a looming crisis in health care access for pregnant women in Maryland, some medical officials are urging lawmakers to consider a “no-fault birth injury fund” that would help alleviate mounting pressure placed on hospitals and birthing centers by multimillion-dollar malpractice lawsuits.

The measure would allow families of babies who suffer neurological injuries during birth to sidestep the lawsuit process and seek compensation directly from a statewide fund paid for by hospitals, doctors and malpractice insurers.

Advocates say the existence of such a fund would ensure that victims receive the care their injuries demand while preventing exorbitant lawsuit awards that threaten to sink obstetrics units and reduce statewide access to maternity health care.
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