@propublica: Cherise Doyley, a mother of three, was in labor at a Florida hospital when a nurse brought her a tablet. On the screen were a judge and several lawyers, doctors and hospital staff. Doyley wanted to have a vaginal birth. They wanted to force her to undergo a cesarean section. Doyley, a professional doula, had had three prior C-sections — including one that resulted in a hemorrhage. She hoped to avoid another serious complication and lengthy recovery. In labor and in a Zoom court hearing, Doyley had no lawyer or advocate and no one to explain to her what was going on. After three hours of testimony, the judge ruled that she could keep trying for a vaginal birth unless there was an emergency. Overnight, doctors wheeled her into surgery. The baby was delivered by C-section. ProPublica reporter Amy Yurkanin obtained a video recording of Doyley’s court hearing. Watch Doyley undergo this legal ordeal and argue for her own medical choices from a hospital bed.

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Region: US

Tuesday 31 March 2026 01:00:43 GMT

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Comments

Sarah :

How is it an emergency if they have time to stop and take her to court?

2026-03-31 11:21:15

366951

Monalisaa ·˚𓆉 ༘ :

This is so dehumanizing.

2026-03-31 15:18:10

270754

undocumented illegal :

update on black woman in labor

2026-04-01 04:02:58

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Ary💕 :

This is dystopian.

2026-03-31 10:58:03

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Efe :

She needs to sue for emotional distress asap

2026-03-31 07:51:24

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3 :

All her points were completely valid.

2026-03-31 07:38:48

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Ari’s World :

I hope she sue them

2026-03-31 08:07:01

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Meme_bear :

A zoom call during birth…….for a c section

2026-03-31 10:52:15

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Denaja 💕💕 :

Mind you, it’s HER BODY, HER BABY!!

2026-03-31 19:42:27

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Zee :

Racism wants to rob you of dignity and self determination.

2026-03-31 11:47:59

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Allthingskdionne :

She’s so informed thank God

2026-03-31 11:37:27

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Skigh Johnson🇵🇸🇨🇩 :

She deserves MILLIONS for putting her through this

2026-03-31 15:06:38

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Lex :

They could get a judge that quickly but not an attorney for the patients rights. Unconstitutional

2026-03-31 05:58:31

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lou :

What in the actual FUCK

2026-03-31 07:41:17

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Donut🍩 :

This is happening in 2026. Wow

2026-03-31 13:02:17

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Momo :

Her not having representation is absolutely a violation.

2026-03-31 03:54:33

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Lauren G. :

The level of disrespect for this woman is insane.

2026-03-31 11:15:31

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Tori :

The fact that she had to advocate for herself in active labor like I’m so agitated on so many levels

2026-03-31 21:16:01

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Justiiin :

Having to educate this man while going through labor omg

2026-03-31 03:37:00

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donna :

I would sue for so many reason why is this even public

2026-03-31 07:25:58

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singlemom_bychoice :

How did they get a judge so quickly??

2026-03-31 05:02:09

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Loveeeebella :

she advocated for herself so greatly 🥺

2026-03-31 19:36:31

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Misha :

if there's time to take her to court, it's not an emergency.

2026-03-31 07:34:52

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nicole🕺🏾 :

How is not a HIPAA violation????

2026-03-31 15:52:23

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Dog Trainer Kira :

This woman is a fucking bad ass. To speak that well when she is in active labor is crazy. I love that she advocated for herself and she was able to have them hear her. She is a fantastic help to the people she helps. Great job.

2026-03-31 11:06:26

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