• 26
  • March
    2010

Could today's use of cesarean sections be nearing medical malpractice? In the last fifteen years the percentage of women able to get a C-section in a successive labor went from 30% to 10%, according to studies.

Current debate surrounds the ethics behind the common use of cesarean sections in U.S. hospitals versus the option for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

Illinois follows suit with this dangerous trend in the increased rate of C-Sections. While the Center for Disease Control's goal is to get the VBAC rate up to 37%, only one hospital in Illinois currently succeeds in hitting that target.

The surgical procedure is generally not ideal for a woman delivering her first child, unless an emergency or special circumstance calls for it. What is controversial, however, is the general status quo saying that if a woman delivers via C-section once, she should do so in subsequent deliveries.

Proponents for women's and child health and choice are challenging this norm suggesting that VBAC should not be avoided and can be a safe, ethical option.

Nearly one-third of hospitals and half of physicians do not perform VBAC. The reason behind the decision is based on the fear that VBAC leads to more personal injuries in the form of uterine ruptures.

To avoid charges of medical malpractice and expensive litigation, therefore, VBACs are widely prohibited. Unfortunately, this needlessly limits many families' medical options when, according to experts, many mothers successfully deliver vaginally after having a past C-section.

Uterine ruptures as a personal injury resulting from VBAC is rare, and proponents for choice and change note that C-sections are not injury-proof, either. The procedure brings its own list of potential risks, including birth injury.

Infants delivered via C-section are more likely to be born with breathing problems, have difficulty breast-feeding and run the risk, though rare, of being cut during surgery. Also important to keep in mind is the more intensive care mothers need post-surgery.

In fact, a recent study by Amnesty International investigating the U.S. mortality rate associated with childbirth and pregnancy lists inattention to women's health post C-section as a significant cause of avoidable maternal deaths.

Patients need to be informed and empowered to question medical practices. Currently, not enough women are truly educated about their delivery options, and they deserve to make an educated decision regarding the birth of their child. Procedure done simply as status quo is not necessarily best practice, and it's a patient's right to have a say in their medical treatment and that of their child, starting from birth. 

Related Resources

Women Need Chance to Avoid Repeat C-Section

Too Many Women Dying While Having Babies

Illinois Hospital VBAC Rates