I think you described exactly why I am choosing to homebirth.

I've never been in a situation such as that described, and I have only had continuity of care from a known midwife for all my births. I have heard more than a few stories such as the one just told and it scares the beejeebers out of me. To me, it's worth the cost for quality care.

I know you can have a rewarding birth in a hosp, but I don't want to have to fight for it and explain every little decision I make (especially while in labour), so I choose not to put myself in that kind of position.