From Midwifery Today E-News:

“A high tech company called Barnev (www.barnev.co.il/) is currently manufacturing a product called a computerized labor monitoring system. This product works by placing two clips with electrodes on a laboring woman's cervix and a scalp electrode on the fetus and using ultrasound waves to measure cervical dilation and height (descent) of the fetal head. I am aware of this product because of clinical trials were held at the hospital with which I am affiliated. In spite of the midwives' opposition to using this mechanical device on women, we were not able to totally block its use (although some changes were made in the informed consent, and many women did not agree to participate due to midwives' explaining to them what was involved). The trials were moved to other hospitals where the midwives were not as vocal in their opposition, and now the company is promoting use in Europe and the US. I understand that they have received or will be receiving Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. The product is being promoted as a means to assess women's progress in labor without a manual vaginal examination.

I believe that this product takes advantage of and potentially harms women and their babies in labor, all for the purpose of economically profiting a biotech company. I believe that steps need to be taken at a higher level regarding the ethical considerations.

How do E-News readers suggest that I carry on from here? Can you offer any support/ideas? I feel that this issue is not only within the midwifery realm, but takes advantage of women's rights and of women's bodies for research purposes under the guise of medical treatment. You can contact me at: Debby.Gedal-Beer@...”

Debby Gedal-Beer, CNM, MSc.
Coordinator of Women's Health and Midwifery Education
Sheba Academic School of Nursing
Tel Hashomer, Israel

http://www.barnev.co.il/

The underlying concept behind CLM is the use of ultrasound technology to calculate the distance between sensors. The CLM system monitors cervical dilatation by transmitting ultrasonic waves from transducers (placed on the abdomen) to receivers affixed safely and painlessly to the mother’s cervix. Thus cervical dilatation is monitored continuously and automatically with a high degree of accuracy, reducing the need for manual examinations.