'Irth' hospital review app aims to take the bias out of giving birth

Kimberley Seals Allers, was inspired to start Irth because of stories she her from many mothers as well as her own experience of bias in the health care system during the delivery of her first child. (Tom Mason/The Big Idea: Birth Without Bias)

Like any savvy mother-to-be, Queens, N.Y.-based journalist Kimberly Seals Allers made an informed decision when it came to selecting a hospital in which to give birth. She read articles and parenting blogs, scrolled through reviews, and scanned media rankings. "I really was trying to make sure I went to the best place, quote unquote," she says.

Seals Allers arrived with high expectations, but what happened next was jarring.