Short-Term: The Maternity Hospital started off rough in the first years, financially and socially.
“Ripley struggled to secure financial resources and found herself ridiculed by socially conservative voices in the press and throughout her community.” (Gronseth).
This evidence is significant because it shows that Dr. Martha had a hard few years as she felt she wasn’t having much support from her community. She also struggled to find financial resources, as during this time there weren’t many stable resources. Although her first years were rough, she persisted and it all worked out.
Long-Term: There are really no “rules” as there is a law stating hospitals are supposed to treat all women in active labor.
“Enacted in 1986, EMTALA requires hospitals to stabilize and treat women in active labor regardless of their age, health status, ethnic origin, or ability to pay for treatment”. EMTALA stands for Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. (Bradshaw).
This evidence is significant because it shows that there is a law stating patients cannot be turned down while in active labor. While there is no direct connection, the EMTALA law was passed in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan. There are even fines and or penalties facilities can face for violating EMTALA. So yes, hospitals do now welcome mothers in labor with no problems with their statuses.