‘Hospitals prefer C-section births to avoid legal action’
MOST maternity hospitals choose Caesarean sections over natural births because they are afraid of being taken to court.
Doctors find the procedure is the most convenient to perform despite being linked to maternal mortality, a study by Trinity College Dublin has found.
The research reveals a troubling rise in C-sections worldwide and shows hospital staff greatly exaggerate the fear of natural births.
Study author Sunita Panda said: “Caesarean section rates are increasing worldwide, particularly among first-time mothers, with limited explanation of the factors that influence the rising trend. This is a big concern for health care professionals because vaginal birth is safer and associated with fewer complications.
“Our study identified the significant influence of ‘fear of litigation’ on clinicians’ decision to perform CS, irrespective of hospital setting, age, gender, professional experience, resources and culture within the health care system.”
Other factors included financial benefits to hospitals and clashes of views between medical staff.
The research was conducted across 20 countries over 24 years and consists of hundreds of interviews with doctors.
Trinity professor Cecily Begley said: “This research generates strong evidence to influence clinical practice.
“Clinicians often have multiple reasons for deciding to perform a CS; however, the key issue is the justification of these reasons and the impact of the decision on the mother and baby.
“This study will be of significant benefit to policymakers seeking to improve and promote normal births.”