New Game Show 'Labor Games' Challenges Contestants During Labor
Parents-to-be earn prizes right before their baby is born.
— -- Women are sure to expect labor pains when they are expecting, but games in the delivery room?
"Labor Games" is the title of a new game show on TLC that is sparking outrage because it goes into the delivery room just moments before women give birth and offers the parents-to-be the chance to win prizes.
Jessica and Aaron VanZeeland were picked to compete on the show while awaiting the birth of their son.
“It was kind of vague,” Jessica told ABC News. “We knew that it was a chance to win some prizes so, I mean, why not.”
“Actually Jessica was in labor for 28 hours so it was a welcome distraction,” Aaron said of "Labor Games."
During the show, airing tonight on TLC, the birthing room is transformed into a full-fledged game show set.
For every correct answer to seven baby trivia questions, the couple is awarded loot such as baby strollers, food and clothing for their bundle of joy. The show’s grand prize is a $10,000 scholarship.
ABC News’ Chief Health and Medical Editor, Dr. Richard Besser, said bringing a game show into the delivery room could prove a distraction.
“During labor, emergencies can arise,” Besser said. “This is one of the most important moments of your life. I think this is a really bad idea to have a camera come in at that moment in your life.”
TLC said it gets prior consent from parents-to-be and the hospital before filming.
"I had no worries," Jessica said. "TLC was wonderful on the fact that my health and the baby's health were first and foremost. ... I called the shots. If at any point I wasn't ready or willing to continue, we were done."
The VanZeelands both said “Labor Games” was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I think people will think we’re crazy but it was worth it,” Jessica told ABC News.
“[A] really neat life experience that our boy, River, can talk about for the rest of his life,” said Aaron.
