Recording or taking pictures of a child's birth should not be a distraction as long as they are not in the way of the doctors or the nurses. If they do nothing wrong then there shouldn't be anything for anyone to worry about.

I think we are starting to go a little too far on what constitutes a 'right'. You are at the hospital, you have to abide by their rules. What a waste of energy. If you feel so strongly about this, seek a different setting for your birth. While I don't think that all cameras/recording could be a distraction, I can just envision how some of these parent-to-bes may act with their 'documentation' of the process. If the doctor is not comfortable with this, why would you want to do it - I personally want my doctors on their toes. A solution might be to have professional staff on hand that could do the 'documenting' which the parents could purchase for a price after.

If someone does not like the hospital or doctors rules, they can find another or have a home birth. No one should be required to be part of a home movie shot by another. Everyone involved should be required to give consent; if even one participant in the procedure does not agree - no video. Others besides the mother have rights too.

In any situation in life you must follow the rules. If the hospital does not allow video recording of the birthing process then you should not do it. If you really feel that you should be able to video tape then you should seek out another venue.