When pt is refusing a C/S

We had a pt yesterday, G5P4 non-compliant IDGD; last insulin injection 3 wks ago, last prenatal visit several weeks ago, term pg admitted in labor. Pt got to complete, but still at a 0 station. This strip looked like absolute crap - deep, wide variables following every contraction (at least her contractions were like 4 min apart) down to the 60's and then 40's :uhoh21: paired with a continually rising baseline and essentially no variablility. The pt was adamantly refusing a c/s because she had delivered her other babies "lady parts-lee" and wanted to deliver this baby "lady parts-lee" as well. She said the only way she would consent to a c/s was if the FH went down and stayed down. No amount of explanation by the MD or by her nurse of the possible repurcussions (sp?) of continuing to attempt a lady partsl delivery of this infant (profound neurologic injury, death, that kind of thing) would convince her that a c/s would be in the best interest of the baby. This strip continued on for a couple of hours; we all watched the strip in absolute horror ironically praying for a prolonged decel so we could get the baby out. What it finally took was another nurse going in to the pt's room, praying with the pt that God would help her to make the best decision for the baby and she FINALLY consented for the c/s. Baby weighed 10lbs 11oz, blood sugar 167, Apgars 1, 7, & 7, intubated and satting in the 60's, and to top it all off a cord gas of 7.0.

My question is, what is your recourse (besides documentation out the wazzoo) when this situation occurs? It is your responsibility to advocate for that baby - what if she had continued to refuse and the baby had not made it? Is it state mandated in what manner you can respond, or are there other regulations? Cannot two MD's sign that consent and go?

I'm just very deeply disturbed by the whole situation and refuse to accept that my hands would be tied if I had been that nurse.

Thanks for any input.