I am a mother in Polk County. My family scraped everything we could together to move here from the oppressiveness and desolation of California.
We are now expecting our third child.
I have spent hours talking to other moms in the area, researching midwives and hospitals, and talking to doctors, nurses, doulas, and midwives.
After all of this work, I finally landed on Broadlawns. It met all of my qualifications and expectations. I was thrilled to have such a great option for my pregnancy and delivery care.
Unfortunately, Broadlawns has made it clear that they do not want people who believe in Christian values at their hospital. I am just shocked at the blatant prejudice against any demographic of people! While I am a Christian, and this is a direct act against my faith, I would be just as appalled at this kind of statement towards any group of people, even those I disagree with.
Not only is this a deliberate, intentional act of prejudice, it is beyond hypocritical that the hospital is claiming to do this in the name of “tolerance” and “diversity”.
I am now faced with having to explore other options. I have to look at alternative care, that is much less affordable and will create financial hardship for my family. I won’t have the added safety of delivering at Broadlawns, rather than at home.
Broadlawns has decided to let Iowans know they do not want us in their hospital if we have Christian values. We ALL deserve quality care, we all deserve to feel welcome in our local hospitals. Government facilities have no business taking action or making direct statements against any group or demographic of people.
