Brazil rules seek to cut Cesarean craze
New regulations aimed at rolling back Brazil's obsession with Cesarean sections took effect Monday, with the government hoping it can steer the country from its status as a world leader in C-section births.
The new rules and a campaign called "Childbirth is normal!" address what Health Minister Arthur Chioro has called an "epidemic" of Cesareans, currently accounting for more than half of births.
About 84 percent of mothers on private health care plans undergo the operation, in which the baby is delivered through a small incision in the mother's abdomen -- often in Brazil for no other reason than the convenience of being able to choose the date.
The figure is about 40 percent in Brazil's public hospitals, compared to about 32 percent in the United States -- still massively higher than World Health Organisation recommendations of 10 to 15 percent.
Under the new rules, doctors and hospitals are required to share information with patients, notably the number of Cesareans that they have already carried out.
When they fail to give information that has been requested, the health insurance companies face fines of up to about $8,000.
Making patients better informed will help diminish the rush for C-sections, health officials say.
"Childbirth is one of the most important moments in the life of a woman and her family," said Jose Carlos de Souza Abrahao, director of a specialized health ministry agency.
"By informing her of the risks that could come with an unnecessary surgical procedure, she will be more sure in her decision regarding the delivery, choosing what's best for her health and for her baby's health."
