From the time Cesarean sections were first performed in the early 16th century, medical science has come a long way. Despite advances, however, there are still considerable risks associated with any major surgical procedure, including C-sections. Although there are many situations and complications that make it unavoidable, an increasing number of women and obstetricians choose elective C-sections that are not medically indicated – and grounds for a possible medical malpractice lawsuit.
Why Are C-Sections So Common?
Some women prefer the convenience of a scheduled delivery, while women who experienced difficulty in prior deliveries may decide they never want to endure natural childbirth again. Some women believe vaginal deliveries put them at risk for incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Yet, studies have shown that elective C-sections, performed for no medical reason, are associated with short- and long-term health risks and birth-related injuries to both the mother and the baby.
In the United States, nearly 33% of all babies are born by Cesarean delivery, and this figure has increased dramatically since the 1960s. The World Health Organization considers an ideal Cesarean rate to be between 10% and 15%. In the United States, the Healthy People 2020 initiative, designed to improve the nation’s health, has set a target Cesarean rate of just under 24%.
Unnecessary C-Sections, Unnecessary Risk
While the value of C-sections in saving the lives of mothers and newborns cannot be doubted, there is also evidence that unnecessary Cesarean deliveries carry risks of infection, blood clots, longer recovery, pelvic pain, and problems with future pregnancies. Babies born by C-section are more likely to suffer breathing difficulties requiring intensive care and are at higher risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma.
The national average for Cesarean births in the U.S. is obviously higher than optimal, but studies have shown that C-section rates vary considerably from hospital to hospital. In other words, a woman’s choice of the birth hospital can greatly influence whether she will end up delivering naturally or by C-section. According to a survey of Michigan hospitals, the state ranks 21st in the country with a 27% Cesarean rate. What is more worrying, though, is that the majority of hospitals – 86 of 119 qualifying facilities – declined to report their rates.
Avoiding the Danger
The bottom line is that far too many women are putting themselves and their babies at risk from major surgery. Low-risk women are defined as first-time mothers with no prior history of Cesarean, who have reached the 37th week of pregnancy and are carrying a single baby in the head-down position. Such a pregnancy is unlikely to require surgery during childbirth, and a C-section for such a woman means, essentially, she is undergoing a major abdominal surgery for no real reason.
In the U.S. and around the world, there is a need for women and families to understand the serious implications of C-sections, and to stop thinking of them as a convenient or easy option. Awareness of the consequences of medically unnecessary Cesarean deliveries will give women an insight into the risks and benefits and help them make informed choices about their health.
Matthew Turner
Matthew Turner is a shareholder with Sommers Schwartz, and focuses his practice on medical malpractice, legal malpractice, ERISA, and class action matters.
