"After over 1600 signatures to a petition, days of crowds supporting Dr. Biter, cars and trucks painted with slogans such as “We love Dr. Biter” and “Bring Biter Back,” we are pleased to confirm that an email was sent by the administration at the hospital that obstetric privileges were reinstated yesterday for the popular doctor. His gynecologic privileges were never suspended and also remain in place. While we are all excited to celebrate the reinstatement of Dr. Biter’s OB privileges at Scripps Encinitas, he has contacted one of his biggest supporters to request that no public rallies take place today at the hospital. He has also chosen to not make a public statement at this time."
"A popular Scripps doctor who embraces natural childbirth had his privileges to deliver babies briefly reinstated at Scripps Memorial Hospital in Encinitas on Friday morning, then hours later voluntarily gave up those privileges, according to a one-sentence statement released by the hospital."
The difficult thing is that neither the hospital nor Dr. Biter is offering any more information. There is much speculation about the reasons behind Dr. Biter's initial loss of privileges and subsequent reinstatement and resignation, but no one really knows for sure what has happened here and why.
I have two feelings about this situation:
- What amazing results grassroots action can achieve! To have Dr. Biter reinstated 12 days after his suspension, and 6 days after a large rally outside of the hospital. The community action involved in this issue was absolutely amazing. More communities should take action and stand up for what's important.
- How sad that Dr. Biter will no longer be providing his incredible support to women at Scripps Encinitas Hospital. He has had plans to open his own birth center in the area, and I only hope that he will be able to see those plans play out and be able to offer his services more fully under his own terms at his own birthing center. He may be better able to serve his patients in that capacity than he could if he were to remain at the hospital.
There, you have my 2 cents.
