New guidance being issued by the RCOG, the NCT and the RCM is urging to decrease C-Sections to a target of 20%, to decrease epidurals and to make Midwife Led Care the default for low risk women. The document is here
This guidance is controversial and goes against the position of NICE, the NHSLA, and the DH.
I've already posted this in the Childbirth section, but I do think this needs a wider audience, and to get this seen by as many people as possible and it was suggested I posted this here rather than AIBU. Original thread is here
I do think this is definitely a Women's Rights issue for a couple of reasons:
Firstly its the language being used in the document. Its extremely paternalistic. It talks about getting the GP to influence patients to make 'good choices'. (I've expanded on how I feel about this on the other thread) and is extremely patronising and almost about trying to get women to behave in the correct manner rather than doing whats in their best interests.
Secondly theres the conflict of interest this causes - if a midwife/doctor is under pressure to achieve a target of 20% how are they going to do this as well as put the needs of the woman first?
Then theres the issue of restricting women's choices and options; especially with regard to pain relief.
The RCM, RCOG & NCT document has caused so much concern amongst a number of campaigners that its lead to them to issuing a <a class="break-all" href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=www.electivecesarean.com/images//12-aug-24%2520rcog%2520ccg%2520press%2520release%2520final.pdf" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">joint statement which sums up all the issues far better than I can.
I find the whole thing quite alarming and frightening. I don't appear to be alone if the other thread is anything to go by.
I know its all a bit of a read and apologies in advance, but this is important and doesn't seem to be being reported anywhere else, and I do think this needs to 'get out there' for discussion and debate.
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Feminism: Sex & gender discussions
New guidance to reduce epidurals and a target rate of 20% for C-Sections
189 replies
HmmThinkingAboutIt · 26/08/2012 16:40
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