Birth Tubs are Medical Devices?

I just learned that the FDA is seizing birth tubs and threatening to destroy them, because

They claim they are unregistered medical equipment, but they are not providing a way or means to get them registered.

Really?  This pretty green tub is a medical DEVICE???

Green inflatable birth tub
At the Childbirth Today blog they said,

I also realize that many of a woman’s options and choices in pregnancy and childbirth are under attack.

And therefore since one arm of the U.S. government believes that pregnancy is an illness and birth is a medical event and anything that is used during this time is considered a device that needs to be approved by the FDA, what is the next option/choice to go?

Maybe Beds?

  • Maybe beds would be the next to go.  I am joking, but why not?  Are they approved medical equipment?
  • Maybe toilets?  I know a lot of birthing moms like to sit on them.
  • Maybe Birth Balls – I know of hospitals that refuse to let moms sit on them.

What do you think?

[polldaddy poll=5087614]

Do you think it is OK the FDA is using their time and money to seize birth tubs?

Here is a great post by Bellies and Babies with more information.

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8 thoughts on “Birth Tubs are Medical Devices?”

  1. Oh. Wow. Seriously?

    Maybe they should come and seize my big bathtub out of my home too, then. I just gave birth to my 4th baby two weeks ago, and he was my first home and water-birth. The difference was amazing. Shhh….don’t tell them I used my OWN tub, though, otherwise I’ll be looking at a total bathroom deconstruction!

    What about showers? And yes, like you said, toilets and beds?

    That’s just a waste of taxpayers’ money and government time. UGH!

  2. Silly silly silly. So a pregnant mom could hang out in the pool all she wants, but heaven forbid she go into labor while hanging out in there. Seriously?
    You’re right. Where will they draw the line? Is there any place we can write to them and ask them to please let mamas take a soak?

  3. Wow that seems so crazy. By their logic they should seize towels, fans, water and all kinds of other stuff.

    I am surprised the medical community would be so threatened by the 1-2% home birth rate that they would pressure the FDA to take such action.

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