MESA, Ariz. — A Mesa family is grappling with the tragic loss of their newborn after a prolonged and complex labor at the Willow Birthing Center. The couple, Noelle and Dylan Zmrel, had anticipated the arrival of their son, James, in November 2023 but faced unforeseen complications that led to their baby’s death. The family now plans to pursue legal action against the facility, citing a delayed hospital transfer as a critical lapse in care.
The Zmrels had chosen Willow Birthing Center for what they believed would be a supportive and woman-centric birthing experience. However, their joy quickly turned to distress as the labor extended beyond typical expectations. “We started to question whether we should go to the hospital as the pain intensified,” Dylan recounted. Although they voiced concerns, they claim these were dismissed by attending midwives, assuring them that the situation was under control.
As hours turned into more than a day, the situation worsened, necessitating an eventual rush to Banner Desert Medical Center. Despite the efforts at the hospital, baby James did not survive after more than 36 hours of labor.
The family’s lawyer, John Kelly, argues that the outcome was preventable. “At 42 weeks of pregnancy, it is crucial for health care providers to undertake more rigorous monitoring or consider hospital transfer,” Kelly stated. He plans to file a lawsuit accusing Willow of negligence in handling the late-term pregnancy and not transferring Noelle to a hospital sooner.
In defense, Willow Birthing Center provided a statement outlining their protocols and adherence to safety standards. According to the facility, they operate within a strict framework that allows deliveries up to 42 weeks of pregnancy, post which they offer hospital transfer for medical induction. They also highlighted their accreditation by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC), indicating compliance with high safety and regulatory standards.
Records show that while no birth environment is without risk, Willow maintains that their NICU admission rate and mother transfer rates are impressively low and well within national averages. Despite these defenses, the incident has stirred concerns among other families and has brought to attention the regulatory practices surrounding midwife-led deliveries in Arizona.
This incident brings to the forefront the ongoing debate about the safety of birthing centers versus traditional hospital births, particularly in cases of late-term pregnancy. Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of clear communication and readiness to escalate care when complications arise.
Further complicating the center’s standing, this is not the first lawsuit of its type against Willow. Another case filed earlier in June 2023 involves a similar situation that led to a newborn’s death. Such incidents raise questions about the consistency and reliability of care in non-hospital birthing settings.
As the Zmrel family and their attorney prepare for their legal battle, they hope that their case will bring about changes in how birthing centers manage high-risk pregnancies and communicate with prospective parents about potential risks.
The Arizona Department of Health Services has recorded these concerns. Documentation reveals verified deficiencies relating to the midwives listed on Willow’s website, indicating broader systemic issues that may affect patient safety.
The ongoing investigations and legal actions underscore the critical need for stringent oversight and continuous review of practices at birthing centers to prevent similar tragedies.
While Willow pledges commitment to safety and best practices, the debate on the optimal care for late-term pregnancies continues to evolve, shaped by heartbreaking stories like that of the Zmrels.
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