In the state of New York, the standard of care expected of healthcare professionals requires them to ensure patients do not suffer unreasonable harm. When it comes to helping a mother through childbirth, meeting this standard is especially crucial, as more than one life may be at risk if a doctor does not act with the utmost care and expertise. Accordingly, a physician may bear civil liability for any harm suffered by a mother or child because of ignored or misdiagnosed symptoms, including the failure to properly use medical tools and implements, or any other unreasonable error that a doctor with similar skills would not have made under similar circumstances.