title: [No caesarean section on demand without a proper indication].
abstract: The risk/benefit ratio of caesarean section versus vaginal birth does not justify performing the operation solely on demand of the woman without a medical indication. Underlying fear of childbirth should be addressed by other means rather than simply performing the operation. These considerations should not be outweighed by women's freedom to decide.
authors.affiliation: Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Verloskunde, Postbus 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden. j.j.m.van_roosmalen@lumc.nl
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: van Roosmalen
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000941:ethics; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D036801:Parturition / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D016079:Refusal to Treat / Q000941:ethics*; D018570:Risk Assessment