momfirst, I have no direct knowledge of the "right" way to proceed but at a minimum, your friends should demand a hospital policy change similar to what goat granny just described here.
Have your friend write a simple, concise dispassionate letter to the hospital administrator outlining the event. State in the letter that they have no intent to sue or seek publicity, but that the hospital must change its practice in this regard, and that they must see the new policy in writing. Request a meeting in person so the administrator can show them in writing how it is being handled. Set a deadline in the letter for when they expect a written response and a meeting in person, and simply state they will find it necessary to contact a lawyer, the press, and the state hospital licensing board and JCAHO if they hear nothing in response by the deadline.
Send it registered mail with a return receipt, and follow up with a phone call in 3-4 business days to the administrators office.
Thank you, Dr. Brian Kopp. What you suggested is a great way to start. Wonderful advice! The policies goat granny worked under seem medically appropriate AND compassionate.
Dr. Kopp You gave an excellent reply. Momfirst: The result should be no other woman has to go through what your friend went through.. She could help many other women with her experience and it would be a postive result.