New York Hospital Network Prohibits Women’s Partners in Birthing Units Due to Coronavirus Fears

The coronavirus has made it harder for some expectant mothers who will soon be delivering their babies. Expectant mothers who will be giving birth at New York-Presbyterian hospitals in and around New York will have to do so without their partners by their side.

“The New York City-based hospital network has announced that partners hoping to witness the life-changing moment are now prohibited from being inside its labor and delivery rooms over concerns about the spread of COVID-19,” reported Fox News.

According to Johns Hopkins University, as of Monday afternoon, New York City has 10,674 confirmed cases, while Westchester County to its north has 1,873.

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“With our focus on the best interests of our new mothers and children, we have made the decision not to permit visitors, including birthing partners and support persons, for our obstetric patients,” New York-Presbyterian said on Twitter. “We understand that this will be difficult for our patients and their loved ones, but we believe that this is a necessary step to promote patient safety.”

According to reports, women admitted to the network’s labor and delivery units will be screened for coronavirus regardless of their current health.

People.com reported that the new guidelines also ban all visitors for patients over the age of 18. Each pediatric patient is only allowed one visitor – and that person must be a parent, guardian or family care partner.

“We encourage visitors to remain closely connected to their loved ones through virtual means, including Skype, FaceTime, and/or phone,” the hospital said.