Abstract
Author(s): SÅawomir Suchocki , PrzemysÅaw Piec , Anna ÅuszczyÅska
The purpose of this article is to describe the medical, etical and law aspects of caesarean section on demand. The authors described situation in USA, U.K. and Germany. In those countries caesarean section on demand is not restricted by law. Medical associations justify caesarean section on demand if doctor believes that it is safe for mother and fetus. An obstetrician has the right to decline a request for caesarean section in the absence of medical indications. However the woman’s decision should be respected and she should be offered referral for a second opinion. In Poland we do not have recommendations of caesarean section on demand. They are several evidences on greater post cesarean mortality and other complications comparing to vaginal delivery. We do not have ethical recommendations and no law precedent. The authors appeal to associations of obstetricians, paediatricians, ethicists and lawyers, to formulate general guidelines for caesarean section on demand. We believe that guidelines make situation clear in women’s and obstetricians best interest