Q:

Dr. Margolies - I was in your class last quarter and am writing to see if you might be able 
to help me.  I'm 3 weeks away from the due date of my first child.  Everything with my 
midwifery group is going really well except that they're giving me a hard time about not 
wanting the antibiotic eyedrops for the baby.  They've taken the traditional "it's Georgia 
state law" position.  My husband and I are not prepared to do a home birth and my 
insurance only covers this group, so I'm in a bind.  I want to do things my way without 
alienating the entire staff (which would make the whole experience more difficult on me).  
Do you know of any form letter or tangible document or someone with legal experience 
who could help me?  My midwife was receptive to me bringing in something but I have not 
been able to find anyone with past experience with this situation and so far all I have is a 
birth plan written by myself and my husband.  Thank you for your help.

A:

Thanks for the e-mail .. and good luck with the birth the baby and the MD's. First realize 
that the doctor's group is trying to cover their behind and literally need a documnt to help 
them help you. I am sending you via an attachment the form I created which goes along 
with the immunization form I've used successfully for my three kids .. all you need is a 
notary to sin it .. they can be found in any bank.

Now be prepared to rewrite this as generic as can be in case they want a general statement 
around your due date .. give a window of four week before and after .. so that the date of 
the birth can be within this window .. this will allow them to have something on hand prior 
to a notary signing once the baby is born .. since you know the due date .. you'll have to 
rewrite it .. if you need help e-mail or call me at 770-491-3639

If you continue to get heat from them .. call the county health dept (by the way I assumed 
you live in Cobb County .. change the top if not) and ask their opinion .. they generally 
will help with the proper documents. Remember the religious statement places you along 
with Jehovah's Witnesses and Christian Scientists .. you have the same rights as them. 
This form should do .. if they want a release statement included (I wouldn't place it there 
unless that will make it fly) write that you absolve them of any responibility concerning the 
use of the eyedrops only. By the way the Ga. code works for immunizations .. maybe for 
the drops .. hopefully they'll not investigate too carefully

Good Luck and let me know what happens;
Below is the form via e-mail attachments should hopefully come out like it should look

Hvae a Great Day and Great Year .. sorry I'll not be teaching anymore it was a great run

Dr. M



STATE OF GEORGIA

COUNTY OF Cobb

AFFIDAVIT PURSUANT TO OCGA ß20-2-771

Personally appeared ____________ (MOTHER), who, having been sworn under oath, 
hereby states that I am the mother of son/daughter, as per my present pregnancy, and that I 
hereby request that my son/daughter not be administered any chemical eyedrops post 
delivery or thereafter in that I object to such chemical intervention of my son/daughter on 
the grounds that such chemical intervention conflicts with my religious beliefs. 

	This Affidavit is being submitted pursuant to Subsection (e) of
	 OCGA ß20-2-771

This __________________________, 1999
					_______________________
					    
					           Mother 
 

Sworn to and subscribed to
before me this day of ____________________, 1999


______________________________
Notary Public


My Commission expires: _______________________________
						date