Caesarean Myth - disastrous for obstetrics

International authority on CP, 2003 Australian of the Year and Director of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Professor Fiona Stanley AO says that there is much evidence to refute the popular belief that caesarean sections can prevent cerebral palsy.

An analysis comparing data from 1980 to 1994 shows that cerebral palsy rates have remained steady despite an increase in caesarean section deliveries. “While most legal action regarding disability focuses on birth trauma, the evidence is that this accounts for only a small percentage of cases”, says Professor Stanley.

The data provides clear evidence to show that cerebral palsy seldom results from a single cause and is more often the end result of a number of less dramatic factors.

Causal pathways can range from genetic causes to toxins, infections and problems with the blood supply. Says Professor Stanley, “We now know that there are many different pathways to cerebral palsy and that these might occur early in the pregnancyor even after the child is born”.

Professor Stanley strongly believes that litigation simply spells disaster for obstetricians and hasn’t helped the majority of people with disabilities. “It is crucial that this evidence is taken on board to prevent unnecessary medical interventions and litigation.” 

The challenge is now for researchers to identify more specifically these causal pathways in the hope of finding ways to prevent disability.
Professor Stanley is highly regarded and has made an enormous contribution to child health through her commitment to ensuring that research results are translated into action to make a real difference to children’s lives.

Professor Stanley and her team aim to apply research findings to improve the health of children, adolescents and families as well as to teach the next generation of health researchers.