The history of cesarean section (surgical operation for delivery of a child) is very long and has been practiced since early periods. In the ancient time this type of surgery was performed to save the baby rather than the mother. The survival rate of mother would be very low due to excessive bleeding and infection. With the development of medical science from the 17th century C-section became relatively more advanced.

Today C-section is so common that normal deliveries have been almost replaced by C-section. Doctors prefer C-section rather than vaginal delivery. Here I want to share my experience. I became father of a son a year ago. My wife was diagnosed with the normal baby positions in the previous visits to the doctor with no complications. But a few days before delivery she was recommended for surgery. Doctors cautioned me about complications if she waited too long for labor. I suspected foul practice but could do nothing.

Study shows that more than per cent of child births in private hospitals of Kathmandu are through surgeries. Many pregnant women are forced to deliver baby through surgery. In fact surgeries should be recommended only when there is serious complication during delivery. According to the WHO, C-sections should not exceed 15 per cent of the total number of births. But the figure is increasing day by day. There are several ethical issues in this note from the side of doctors. The C-section is quicker. Doctors don’t have to wait long hours for a single woman during labor pain. During this time they can earn handsome amounts from other several C-sections. The cost for C-section is higher than that of a normal delivery. They have started delivery as the business and taking pregnant women as the cash cows.

Though surgery might be quicker with fewer burdens to both pregnant women and doctors it has long term implications for the health of mother. A mother can’t breastfeed the infants soon after surgery. It takes longer time to heal the wound--at least 6-8 weeks. Infant through surgery are more vulnerable to respiratory problems. There is less possibility of normal birth by a woman who has had surgery previously. It is of course a necessary evil but, because of the moral erosion of some health practitioners, many mothers are suffering. Should not they consider human sensitivity and women’s right of normal delivery?