Volumne 5 No. 2
Caesarean
Sections:
In the Patient's or the Doctor's Interest?
A recent Brazilian study (BMJ Vol. 323, 17 November, 2001; bmj.com) concluded that 70% of births in Brazil occurring in private hospitals were by caesarean section. The study also concluded that "this is not a reflection of women's preferences for this type of delivery." Rather it is motivated by "non-medical factors, such as economic gain and [the] pressures of private practice." Chile is also beginning to rival Brazil in this regard. The reasons for this are universal and should put women on guard in all countries. The study concludes: "Scheduled deliveries may be more convenient and the savings in time gained by cutting labour short may motivate obstetricians to choose a caesarean delivery."
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