Hospital forbids photographs of childbirth, and more

Hospital forbids photographs of childbirth

A Maryland hospital has banned parents from photographing births. Meritus Medical Center officials say the policy protects the privacy of nurses and doctors, but critics say the real fear is that photos of problematic births could be used in malpractice lawsuits. “Deliveries are complicated,” said hospital obstetrician Dr. William Hamilton, admitting he practices “defensive medicine.’’

“Assault is assault is assault,” say police of spitwad row

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A Virginia high school student has been suspended and charged with assault for allegedly shooting plastic “spitwads” at three students. Police say Andrew Mikel, 14, violated the school’s zero-tolerance weapons policy by blowing the spitwads through the hollow body of a pen. Police denied charges they overreacted, saying, “Assault is assault is assault.”