Once ubiquitous, the skill to use forceps is now rare. Still, their introduction into birthing rooms permanently changed the way humans are born.

Today, one in three American mothers gets major surgery to give birth, despite evidence that this rate of intervention is excessive.

Akin used forceps for a baby delivery as recently as last week, according to his testimony. Though uncommon in many places, there are reasonable guidelines to using the tool, Akin said.

In June 2012, newborn Evan Tuite died from catastrophic head injuries obtained after forceps crushed his skull during an assisted vaginal delivery. Five years later, the hospital where the ...

Forceps have saved countless lives, but when they are used badly, or unnecessarily, they can harm both mother and baby, sometimes severely.

Dr. Gerald W. Thorpe tried to deliver the baby at T.J. Samson Community Hospital in Glasgow using forceps, but caused extreme bruising to the infant’s head.

A woman was left in excruciating agony because a pair of forceps used during her caesarean were left inside her body for five years.

Obstetric forceps look like ninja weapons. They come as a pair: 16 inches of solid steel for each hand with curved “blades” that taper into a set of molded grips. Designed for emergencies that require ...