A study conducted by Trinity College Dublin has found that more doctors are choosing to perform c-sections due to fears of being sued if anything goes wrong.
According to the study, doctors believe c-sections are more convenient than traditional births.
Study author Sanita Panda explained that a ‘fear of litigation’ is one of the main reasons for the increase in c-sections.
“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,” she said.
It is believed c-section rates have been constantly increasing in every country in the past decade.
The procedure is most common amongst women with a medium/high income. Researchers have found that c-section rates were lower with women who were from a poorer economic background.
The study describes the views of 9,008 clinicians from 20 international studies. It offers in-depth insight into the factors influencing rising rate of C-sections and will be of significant benefit to policy-makers trying to promote normal births and reduce C-section rates. pic.twitter.com/MDJo5Rmlin
— Trinity College Dublin (@tcddublin) July 31, 2018
Trinity professor Cecily Begley said: “This study will be of significant benefit to policymakers seeking to improve and promote normal births.”
“Caesarean section rates are increasing worldwide, particularly among first-time mothers, with limited explanation of the factors that influence the rising trend,” explained Ms Panda.
She stated that there are less complications with traditional births: "This is a big concern for health care professionals because vaginal birth is safer and associated with fewer complications.”
It is believed over 30 percent of babies are born through cesarean section every year in Ireland.
The study took place over 24 years with researchers looking at figures from over 20 countries.
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