Could we assume for a moment that an elective cesarean is in the same category as a nose-job or a face lift? All three are typically unnecessary surgeries that nonetheless carry all the risk of any surgery, and yet the instance of c-sections is on the rise in America. In fact, between the years 1994 and 2001, it rose eight percent and then by 2004, it rose at least eight percent again! If we put elective c-section in the same category as cosmetic surgery, we would have to understand that many people do unnecessary things to their body. There is a growing body of women that believe it goes against their constitutional rights to be denied an elective cesarean. So the question now is, When does it become unethical?
Elective cesarean is defined as a planned surgery for which there is no medical reason. Studies indicate that cesareans carry many risks, including infection, uterine rupture, low birth weight for the baby, and even death for either mother or child. It is thought that many women who decide to have an elective surgery may not have made an informed choice. The Public Citizen Health Research Group in Washington, D.C. has estimated that half of the nearly one million cesareans performed every year are medically unnecessary – HALF. This is a large number, and is impossible to ignore. What’s interesting to note as well is that the celebrity community is responsible for a very large portion of this percentage.
The number above not only considers electives, but includes doctor-suggest sections as well. Clearly, there are times when these can be avoided, and should be. As for the other one-half million that have been deemed necessary, there are times when c-sections save lives. However, even when they are necessary, they still pose risks to baby and mom. While the convenience of elective cesarean may be appealing to many women, it is important that everyone understand the risks involved to make an informed decision for the sake of their children and themselves.
Since the benefits of a normal vaginal delivery far outweigh those of a cesarean, I highlight some ways to avoid having one in Let’s Talk About Avoiding a Cesarean-Section.
Learn why it’s important to accept an emergency section in Let’s Talk About Dealing with Grief from Birth Loss.
Find out which celebrities are going against the grain and choosing to have less invasive deliveries in Let’s Talk About Celebrity Births.