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problem attracting physicians, the demand for obstetricians has far exceeded the supply,” said Dr. Godfrey. “There is a malpractice crisis which is forcing many doctors to stop delivering babies.”
More than 70 percent of the nation’s obstetricians have been sued at least once for malpractice, driving liability insurance premiums to an annual average of $37,015 in 1987, according to Mr. Gravely.
With this pressure to deliver perfect babies, close to half of the nation’s obstetricians have either cut back on delivering babies or dropped obstetrics entirely. In fact, more obstetricians retired in 1988 than finished their medical school residency training.
This net loss of obstetricians makes recruiting very difficult, especially for rural areas and poor urban neighborhoods.
The Virginia Health Planning Board reports that four hospitals in Virginia have closed their obstetricial units since 1985. Recently, two obstetricians in Alleghany County announced plans to stop delivering babies this fall, leaving Alleghany Regional Hosptial with no obstetricians.
“I enjoy obstetrics but the strain of always being on call and never leaving town will begin to take its toll,” said Dr. Godfrey. “If I can’t find another obstetrician to join me, I will stop delivering babies in one to two years.”
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