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Caesarean section in the absence of clinical indications

Abstract:

Childbirth is a major life event for women and their families. Women’s memories of satisfaction with their birth experience remain constant over many years and can have a lasting impact on their self-image (Simpkin, 1992; Kitzinger, 1992). Of particular concern is the rise in caesarean section rates (National Health Committee [NHC], 1999). The committee identified a wide variation in the rates of caesarean births within ethnic groups, socio-economic status, providers and regions, suggesting that the driving force behind this development could in part be attributed to an interplay between women’s and obstetricians’ preferences (NHC, 1999). Moreover, the lowest rates were found to be among women who have been represented as having the greatest risk for birth complications. These findings parallel overseas trends (Francombe & Savage, 1993; Ministry of Health, 1999) and are interesting in the light of the new section 51 notice of the Health and Disabilities Services Act, 1993 and the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumer Rights, 1996, both of which have affirmed the right of women to make choices in pregnancy and childbirth. The experience of a caesarean birth not only has consequences for a woman’s satisfaction but may also impact on her future childbearing choices.

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caesarean, clinical indication, elective caesarean, medical intervention