title: Court-ordered caesareans.
abstract: Court-ordered caesarean sections are in the news after a number of recent legal decisions authorising surgery for women who lack mental capacity to consent. The decisions have not always been based on good evidence and they raise serious concerns about the protection of the rights of mentally ill women. The authors explain the legal process and question the wisdom of recent judgements.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Prochaska
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lomri
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008429:Maternal Welfare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013222:State Medicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006113:United Kingdom; D014933:Women's Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence