Bioethics and birth: insights on risk decision-making for an elective caesarean after a prior caesarean delivery.
This article presents the findings of qualitative research which explored, from the mothers' perspective, the process of decision-making about mode of delivery for a subsequent birth after a previous Caesarean Section. In contradiction to the clinical literature, the majority of mothers in this study were strongly of the opinion that a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) posed a higher risk than an elective caesarean (EC). From the mothers' perspective, risk discussions were primarily valuable for gaining support for their pre-determined choice, rather than obtaining information. The findings posit ethical concerns with regards to informed consent and professional obstetric practice at a time when there is a documented and worrying trend towards an increase in births by caesarean section (CS).
McGrath
Pam
P
CQ University.
Phillips
Emma
E
Ray-Barruel
Gillian
G
D000328:Adult; D017604:Cesarean Section, Repeat / Q000941:ethics*; D003657:Decision Making; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000941:ethics*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011793:Queensland; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016064:Vaginal Birth after Cesarean / Q000941:ethics*