The Center for Humane Options in Childbirth Experiences (CHOICE) is an organization of parents and professionals who support the rights of parents to choose humane options in their childbirth experience. CHOICE is a non-sectarian, not for profit corporation which was founded in January, 1977, and is duly registered under the not-for-profit laws of the State of Ohio.

The purpose of this organization is:

• to provide safe alternatives for childbirth;
• to help create a more natural environment for childbirth;
• and to create a more positive physical, emotional and spiritual environment for optimum development of closer and happier family relationships;
• to teach, encourage and give moral support to groups or individuals working in or interested in family-oriented childbirth.

Basic to CHOICE’s philosophy is that parents should be able to choose the location and type of birth they feel is right for their family and still have the resources to draw on from their community to make this a safe and rewarding experience.

Birth of CHOICE

In the early 1970s a small number of couples in Central Ohio were choosing home birth for their families, but were unable to find information to guide them, midwives to attend their births or good medical backup. An informal parent support group was formed to provide parents with a forum for sharing what scant information was available in print plus their own personal experiences as they gave birth at home.

In an attempt to determine the extent of the interest in home birth in Ohio, a group of six couples planned a Home Birth Seminar, which was held on Ohio State University’s campus in October, 1976. They hoped to have 100 in attendance in order to cover their expenses….500 parents attended the seminar! During the seminar, the attendees completed a survey regarding what they hoped would become available within their community. In response to that survey, these six couples founded the Center for Humane Options in Childbirth Experiences (CHOICE) in January, 1977. The founders of CHOICE are: Rev. Fred and Abby J. Kinne, Margaret Wilmeth and Peter Freeman, Jim and Jan Dalton, Rick and Dae Curtis, Nina McIndoe and Steve Beck, and Margi and Bruce Roberts.

In January 2002, CHOICE celebrated 25 years of serving over 2000 families. In those 25 years, CHOICE has developed a number of programs that serve the community as a whole including free referrals to appropriate practitioners, a parent support group, a parent resource center, childbirth education classes, free lending library, free consultation and educational programs for midwives and public speakers.

Mission of CHOICE

CHOICE is working to establish a community birth center that will provide a home-like atmosphere for childbirth while insuring the availability of full medical services in case of an emergency. Other functions of CHOICE are:

• To provide education in infant care and development.
• To provide an ongoing family enrichment program.
• To provide a postpartum care service in the home.
• To initiate and develop scientific research programs.
• To educate and certify professional midwives to attend births.

Services of CHOICE

Referral: CHOICE will refer persons seeking help to the appropriate doctor, nurse, birth attendant or organization within their community offering services designed to aid them in achieving the type of birth they desire.

Free Lending Library: The library contains books and videos about pregnancy, childbirth (including home birth, Lamaze, LeBoyer), nutrition, breastfeeding, and infant care.

Community Education: CHOICE provides information on the various practices and techniques of childbirth and the options available to parents in hospitals, birth centers, and the home. CHOICE will provide speakers to interested groups regarding safe alternatives in childbirth and related topics. Films and slide presentations are also available on the same topics with discussion following the presentations.

Parent Support Group: CHOICE offers a free, weekly Parent Support Group. The goal of the Parent Support Group is to provide education in infant care and development and to provide an ongoing family enrichment program. This group of parents and parents-to-be meets each Tuesday at CHOICE (5721 North High Street, Worthington) from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm to share their common experiences, birth stories (with photographs, slides and videos) and the joys and challenges of parenting. New moms and those planning for birth and parenting are especially welcome. Meetings are informal; feel free to drop in any time and bring snacks and little ones.