I was disturbed to read Mary Hannah's commentary1 outlining the possibility of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) supporting the option of medically unnecessary cesarean sections. I am disappointed that cesarean section would be offered when little consideration is given to options at the other end of the spectrum.
Proponents of cesarean section on demand contend that a patient has the right to choose the course of care that best suits her situation. While this is entirely true, the fact remains that such choice has not always been the case. Personally, I was denied my preference of a vaginal birth after cesarean by 3 different physicians. My second choice was to give birth under the care of a midwife, a choice that the Alberta government forced me to pay for. If women are given the option to choose a cesarean section when it is medically unnecessary, they should also have to pay for this form of care. It is an outrage that cesarean section on demand — a medically unnecessary, costly procedure — is covered by Alberta health care while midwifery — a proven, safe, economical option — continues to be excluded.
If the SOGC truly wants to allow women to choose their course of maternity care, they have to fully support and champion the entire range of options available. This includes unmedicated physiologic birth attended by a midwife. If you are concerned about a patient's choice, work to ensure that we all have access to the services we choose.
Penny L. Lindballe Galahad, Alta.
Footnotes
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Competing interests: None declared.
Reference
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